Iceland Coastguard strike
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Iceland Coastguard strike
https://grapevine.is/news/2020/11/06...-go-on-strike/
Words by
Jess Distill
Photo by
Alain Rioux
Today marks the start of an indefinite strike by aircraft mechanics working for the Coast Guard. As reported by Vísir, the strike, which is being held in response to wage disagreements, was originally set to start on October 28, but was postponed.Sixteen of the eighteen Coast Guard mechanics voted on whether they should call a strike, with 87.5% voting in favour. The state conciliator’s website states “The strike applies to all work carried out by the Icelandic Coast Guard’s aircraft mechanics on behalf of the Icelandic Coast Guard, with the exception of mandatory law enforcement and rescue operations carried out on the basis of Act No. 52/2006 on the Icelandic Coast Guard.”
Georg Lárusson, director of the Coast Guard, says that the strike could have a very negative effect on the rescue capabilities of the Coast Guard, if it continues for too long. “We’ve had many long meetings to prepare and respond; to limit the damage as much as possible. If the strike drags on for a long time, it will have a serious effect on our rescue service, but it’s uncertain as to when these effects might begin.”
Of the Coast Guard’s aircraft fleet, currently only one is available, with the other machines under inspection by the mechanics. “During the strike, no work is being done on them. If there is a break down in the one that is available, it could be very difficult to fix.”
Despite this, Georg says he is optimistic about the future. “I just hope that people show responsibility and realise the obligation they have towards the whole nation. Especially with the situation as it is now,” he said.
Coast Guard Helicopter Mechanics Go On Strike
Published November 6, 2020Words by
Jess Distill
Photo by
Alain Rioux
Today marks the start of an indefinite strike by aircraft mechanics working for the Coast Guard. As reported by Vísir, the strike, which is being held in response to wage disagreements, was originally set to start on October 28, but was postponed.Sixteen of the eighteen Coast Guard mechanics voted on whether they should call a strike, with 87.5% voting in favour. The state conciliator’s website states “The strike applies to all work carried out by the Icelandic Coast Guard’s aircraft mechanics on behalf of the Icelandic Coast Guard, with the exception of mandatory law enforcement and rescue operations carried out on the basis of Act No. 52/2006 on the Icelandic Coast Guard.”
Georg Lárusson, director of the Coast Guard, says that the strike could have a very negative effect on the rescue capabilities of the Coast Guard, if it continues for too long. “We’ve had many long meetings to prepare and respond; to limit the damage as much as possible. If the strike drags on for a long time, it will have a serious effect on our rescue service, but it’s uncertain as to when these effects might begin.”
Of the Coast Guard’s aircraft fleet, currently only one is available, with the other machines under inspection by the mechanics. “During the strike, no work is being done on them. If there is a break down in the one that is available, it could be very difficult to fix.”
Despite this, Georg says he is optimistic about the future. “I just hope that people show responsibility and realise the obligation they have towards the whole nation. Especially with the situation as it is now,” he said.
18 to support two 225s and a dash-8.....
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https://icelandmonitor.mbl.is/news/n...ble_next_week/
Vala Hafstað
[email protected]The Icelandic Coast Guard has issued a statement, explaining that due to the ongoing strike of aircraft mechanics, an emergency situation is looming, since no rescue helicopter will be available in the country by the middle of next week, mbl.is reports.The strike began November 5, and no meeting has been announced between the disputing parties, that is, between the Association of Icelandic Aircraft Mechanics and the State’s Negotiating Committee.
“It appears that by the middle of next week at the latest, when TF-GRO, the Coast Guard’s only operable helicopter, is due for a check-up, the organization won’t have any helicopter available,” the statement reads. “The other rescue helicopter, TF-EIR, will not be available as planned, since work on its ongoing check-up has been halted during the strike.
Árni Sæberg
“Work on organizing check-ups has been halted as well during the strike, which means that there has been no preparation for check-ups, monitoring and processing of documents relating to the check-ups. Repeated requests for an exemption from the strike due to the planning of check-ups have been denied by the Association of Icelandic Aircraft Mechanics.
“Even though an exemption were granted, that would only suffice for offering a minimal emergency service. It remains clear that a rescue helicopter will not always be available, and the impact of the strike will be felt into next year, as far as rescue work by the Icelandic Coast Guard is concerned.”
Georg Lárusson, director of the Icelandic Coast Guard. Árni Sæberg
The statement goes on to explain that even before the middle of next week, unexpected malfunctions could develop. “If that happens, no rescue helicopter will be available in the country, which could have dire consequences.”
Will No Rescue Helicopter Be Available Next Week?
TF-GRO, one of the Icelandic Coast Guard's helicopters. Árni SæbergVala Hafstað
[email protected]The Icelandic Coast Guard has issued a statement, explaining that due to the ongoing strike of aircraft mechanics, an emergency situation is looming, since no rescue helicopter will be available in the country by the middle of next week, mbl.is reports.The strike began November 5, and no meeting has been announced between the disputing parties, that is, between the Association of Icelandic Aircraft Mechanics and the State’s Negotiating Committee.
“It appears that by the middle of next week at the latest, when TF-GRO, the Coast Guard’s only operable helicopter, is due for a check-up, the organization won’t have any helicopter available,” the statement reads. “The other rescue helicopter, TF-EIR, will not be available as planned, since work on its ongoing check-up has been halted during the strike.
Árni Sæberg
“Work on organizing check-ups has been halted as well during the strike, which means that there has been no preparation for check-ups, monitoring and processing of documents relating to the check-ups. Repeated requests for an exemption from the strike due to the planning of check-ups have been denied by the Association of Icelandic Aircraft Mechanics.
“Even though an exemption were granted, that would only suffice for offering a minimal emergency service. It remains clear that a rescue helicopter will not always be available, and the impact of the strike will be felt into next year, as far as rescue work by the Icelandic Coast Guard is concerned.”
Georg Lárusson, director of the Icelandic Coast Guard. Árni Sæberg
The statement goes on to explain that even before the middle of next week, unexpected malfunctions could develop. “If that happens, no rescue helicopter will be available in the country, which could have dire consequences.”