Work and workers’ rights

There are several ways to find work in Iceland:

• Online job plat­forms
• Directorate of Labour (Vinnu­mála­stofnun)
• Direct contact with empl­oyers

The Vest­ur­byggð website also advertises local job open­ings.

You should always receive a written empl­oy­ment contract when you start a job.

The contract confirms your empl­oy­ment and sets the main terms, including:

• Job title and responsi­bilities
• Salary and payment terms
• Working hours
• Start date and (if applicable) end date
• Pension fund
• Reference to a collective agreement

Empl­oy­ment contracts in Iceland must follow collective agreements, which define minimum wages and working conditions. Contracts cannot offer worse terms than these agreements.

Types of contracts

Empl­oy­ment can be:

• Permanent (open-ended) – no fixed end date
• Temporary (fixed-term) – ends on a specific date or project

If no end date is stated, the contract is consi­d­ered permanent.

Important

• Always ask for your contract in writing before or at the start of empl­oy­ment
• Keep a copy of your contract
• Make sure all agreed terms are included

Each time you are paid, you will receive a payslip showing how your salary is calculated. You have a right to get a payslip along with your salary.

A payslip usually includes:

• Gross salary (before tax)
• Deductions (tax, pension, union fees)
• Net salary (what you receive)

If somet­hing is unclear, ask your empl­oyer or your union.

Unions (stétt­ar­félög) play a central role in the Icelandic labour market.

They:

• Negotiate collective agreements
• Help ensure your rights are respected
• Provide legal advice and support

Even if you are not a member, your job is still covered by a collective agreement.

One of the main unions in the West­fjords is VerkVest.

Joining a union is recomm­ended.

Workers in Iceland are protected by law.

You have the right to:

• Fair wages and working conditions
• A safe working environment
• Protection against discrim­ination and unfair treatment

If you experience problems at work, you can seek help from your union or relevant autho­rities.

If you need guidance on empl­oy­ment or workers’ rights, you can contact the Vest­ur­byggð Town Hall, the Directorate of Labour or your union.