A Crucial Stand for Jobs: Insights from Vilhjálmur Birgisson
“We are fighting on all fronts to protect jobs. There is nothing new regarding Norðurál, and the discussions about protective tariffs have been postponed until tomorrow.”
That’s the word from Vilhjálmur Birgisson, chairman of both the Akraness Trade Union and the Icelandic Trade Union. He’s under no illusions about what’s at stake for his members, and he’s been clear that getting this right matters enormously.
The Ongoing Debate Over Protective Measures
Vilhjálmur is cautiously encouraged by the repeated delays in rolling out protective measures for silicon iron. “I read reports indicating a lack of consensus among member states on this matter. This is a positive development,” he said. “It simply doesn’t make sense to enforce regulations that are both burdensome and costly if we cannot fully benefit from being part of the single market. It’s as if the sound and image simply do not match.”
Concerns About Future Implications
Still, he’s not fully at ease. His bigger worry is what the current situation could mean for other sectors. “What might this mean for the EEA agreement? Could we be sidelined without notice?” he asks. “What about other industries—will aluminum be next? This issue extends far beyond just silicon; it has broader implications that demand our attention.”
Vilhjálmur isn’t stepping back from this fight. He’s pushing for a clear, coherent strategy — one that safeguards workers today and doesn’t leave them exposed down the road.
