The Future Of Work And The Labour Movement
19. October 202698 LÍV delegates attend ASÍ Congress as future of work takes centre stage
The 47th Congress of the Icelandic Confederation of Labour (ASÍ) took place from 14 to 16 October 2026 at Hilton Reykjavík, under the theme ‘The Future of Work and the Labour Movement’. A total of 98 delegates from member unions of the Federation of Icelandic Commercial Workers (LÍV) attended the Congress, where the future of the labour market, workers’ rights, and the challenges posed by rapid technological change were among the central topics of discussion.
The Congress placed strong emphasis on ensuring that the profound changes facing the labour market benefit workers and society as a whole. Delegates adopted resolutions addressing economic and social justice; decent work, employment rights, and job security in a changing labour market; and education, skills development, and lifelong learning.
A just transition and improved living standards
One of the central issues discussed at the Congress was how to ensure that the benefits of technological advances, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation are shared fairly with workers, rather than accruing exclusively to businesses and capital owners.
The resolutions adopted by the Congress set out a clear demand that increased productivity should translate into improved living standards, shorter working hours, and a better quality of life. They also emphasize that technological change must not result in increased workloads, greater job insecurity, or an erosion of workers’ rights.
The Congress also called for clear regulations governing the use of AI in the workplace, particularly regarding data protection, employee monitoring, and decisions made using digital technologies. Workers must have a meaningful say in how new technologies are introduced and how their roles and working conditions evolve.
Education and skills development are key to the future
Continuing education, lifelong learning, and professional development were also major priorities at the Congress. As working practices and employment structures evolve rapidly, it is increasingly important that workers have opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills and adapt to changing labour market demands.
The Congress adopted a resolution calling for all workers to have an effective right to education and professional development, together with financial security while undertaking training or further education. Achieving this will require a coordinated effort by the labour movement, employers, and the government.
Housing security and social justice remain priorities
The economic circumstances of households and challenges in the housing market also featured prominently in the Congress resolutions. Delegates highlighted how inflation, high interest rates, and substantial housing costs have placed increasing pressure on household finances, particularly for low-income earners, families with children, and tenants.
The Congress rejected approaches that would address economic challenges by placing additional financial burdens on workers, reducing access to public services, or weakening social protections. Instead, it called on the government and local authorities to accelerate the development of secure and affordable housing throughout Iceland.
The Congress also adopted a policy on international affairs, emphasizing human rights, democracy, social justice, and the protection of fundamental workers’ rights. The policy expressed concern about the growing influence of multinational corporations and the increasing concentration of wealth and power.
New ASÍ leadership elected
On the final day of the Congress, delegates elected the president, three vice-presidents, and a new Central Committee of ASÍ for the next two years.
Georg Páll Skúlason was elected President of ASÍ, while Halla Gunnarsdóttir, Chair of VR, was elected First Vice-President. Guðbjörg Kristmundsdóttir, representing the Keflavík and Surrounding Area Trade Union (VSFK), was elected Second Vice-President, and Berglind Kristófersdóttir, representing the Icelandic Cabin Crew Association, was elected Third Vice-President.
Representatives from LÍV member unions also secured seats on the newly elected Central Committee. They include Jónas Yngvi Ásgrímsson, Tómas Gabríel Benjamín, and Júlíana Einarsdóttir from VR, as well as Eiður Stefánsson from the Trade and Office Workers’ Union in Akureyri.
Strong LÍV representation in shaping the future of work
With 98 delegates from its member unions attending the Congress, LÍV ensured that commercial and office workers were strongly represented at this important gathering of the Icelandic labour movement.
The resolutions adopted at the Congress establish a clear direction for ASÍ, placing social justice, strong employment rights, greater job security, and equal opportunities for professional development at the heart of its vision for the future of work.
These issues are particularly relevant to commercial and office workers, whose jobs and working environments are expected to be significantly affected by technological advances, increased automation, and evolving working practices in the years ahead.