VM – The Icelandic Union of Marine Engineers and Metal Technicians

VM – The Icelandic Union of Marine Engineers and Metal Technicians was established 14 October 2006 when the Union of Metal Workers and the Union of Marine Engineers merged. The members of the union are people working in the metal and engineering fields, for example, mechanical engineers, mechanics, steel workers and turners, welders and others in the same vocational fields, as well as persons who have completed acknowledged marine engineering studies, and work on land and at sea. The members total about 4,500. VM is a member of the Icelandic Federation of Labor and of international organizations.

The purpose of the union:
•  Negotiate the wages and the terms of employment of the union members and safeguard their interests.
•  Work on professional issues and on improving the work environment of the union members.
•  Strengthen the professional and social knowledge and skills of the union members.

The union’s headquarters are located at Stórhöfða 25, Reykjavík. The telephone number at the VM headquarters is +354 575-9800. VM also has representatives at various venues outside of the capital area. The union’s website, www.vm.is, contains helpful information about the union and the rights of its members.

VM assists its members in realizing their rights according to the collective agreements, and provides consultation regarding personal contracts. The union has two employees especially focusing on wage issues, as well as the union frequently providing legal assistance in preparing litigation. The union’s representatives appear at workplaces to discuss the various issues as required by the members.

VM is actively involved in an extensive provision of professional lifelong learning in the metal and engineering fields through its participation in Idan, www.idan.is, as well as providing grants to union members regarding various education. The union furthermore regularly comments to the Ministry of Education about the professional rights of foreign workers.

VM owns and operates several holiday cottages nationwide for the union members, as well as offering vacation grants.

The situation of VM’s Sick Fund is very solid, making daily-allowance payments because of lost wages during members’ illness for as long as six months after the employer’s payments stop. Additionally, the union members have the right to various preventive allowances.

VM is a financially sound union. Effective as of 1 January 2008 the union dues will be lowered and will constitute 0.8% of the paid wages of its members. The payer of union dues becomes a full member of the union by signing a membership application at which point they receive a union card confirming their membership. Membership authorizes running for union positions and voting on union affairs.

Safe with us
VM  -  The Icelandic Union of Marine Engineers and Metal Technicians