ABSTRACT
The Icelandic labour legislation of 1938 contains a general declaration to the effect that people have the right to form trade unions and federations of trade unions in order to work together towards assuring the interests of the working class and employees in general. The State Conciliation and Mediation Service have the duty of keeping up to date on conditions and trends in industrial relations and the labour market. The trade unions are fundamental units in the Icelandic labour market and have the task of drawing up agreements on pay and conditions. With regard to the general labour market, the federations of trade unions and the employers' federations argue cases before the court on behalf of the actual parties involved. A union representative enjoys special protection in his employment. A union can deprive a representative of his position if he fails to carry out his functions and duties.
