About the Federation

The Federation of General and Special Workers in Iceland (SGS) is the largest national federation of workers in Iceland and the largest federation within the Icelandic Confederation of Labour (ASÍ), representing approximately 44,000 members. The primary role of SGS is to unite trade unions in the fight for improved working conditions, safeguard acquired rights, serve as a leading force within the labour movement, and provide a platform for discussion on societal developments in the interests of working people.

The Federation was established on 13 October 2000 through the merger of the Icelandic Federation of Labourers, founded in 1964, the Icelandic Federation of Service Workers, representing employees in restaurants and hotels, founded in 1972 and the National Federation of Industrial Workers, founded in 1973. There were 50 founding unions of SGS, while today the federation has 18 member unions.

• Working towards ensuring that all general workers are organized and unionized within active trade unions, and to unite all trade unions within its ranks in advancing and protecting their common interests.
• Supporting, strengthen, and serve its member unions in their work on behalf of workers’ interests, including in labour disputes and negotiations with employers, and to promote coordination in their activities, harmonized rules, and mutual support among them.
• To ensure that member unions are strong and effective organizations, and that unions are not so small that they are unable to provide their members with all necessary services.
• Coordinate the fundamental policy of its member unions in collective bargaining and to negotiate collective agreements on matters that the member unions delegate to it at any given time.
• Provide member unions and their shop stewards with any information that may be useful or serve as guidance in their work.
• Promote increased vocational education, workplace training, continuing education, lifelong learning, and general educational and cultural activities, including through active cooperation with other trade unions and their federations.
• Represent its member unions in matters that they agree to entrust to it.