The Committee on Labour Market Statistics
The Committee on Labour Market Statistics is a cooperative body set up by the Icelandic government, local authorities and the social partners (represented by the labour and employers’ confederations) for the purpose of compiling statistics to be used in collective bargaining.
The Committee began its work in December 2019. It is composed of representatives of the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, the Icelandic Confederation of Labour (ASÍ), the Icelandic Confederation of University Graduates (BHM), the Icelandic Teachers’ Union (KÍ), the Association of Local Authorities in Iceland, SA Confederation of Icelandic Enterprise, and Statistics Iceland.
Through the work of the Committee, the labour market confederations, the government and the local authorities aim to cooperate on the production and use of statistics on wages and the economy to be used as an aid in the preparation and follow-up of collective agreements. The purpose of the Committee is to help the parties to the agreement to reach a common understanding of the nature, characteristics and evolution of statistics relevant to collective bargaining.
The Committee aims to produce reliable information and establish a common understanding among the parties regarding wages and the prevailing economic situation in order to facilitate preparatory and follow-up work for ongoing collective bargaining.
The Committee examines data and information by reference to which collective bargaining is carried out at each time and which serve as a basis for wage setting in the labour market. The Committee strives to improve the understanding of the nature, characteristics and evolution of those statistics considered most relevant in the context of collective bargaining. However, it has no direct involvement in the collective bargaining process and the role and status under law of the parties which set it up are unaffected.
Plans call for the Committee on Labour Market Statistics to issue two reports annually, in spring and autumn. The reports will contain information which, in the agreed opinion of the Committee, provides a clear view of the current situation and developments regarding wages and the national economy. Although the Committee is free to decide on the approach to be used, it is required to include in its reports information on the evolution of wages, incomes and prices and a description of the state and outlook of the economy and the labour market, as well as of the country’s competitiveness, and to provide an international comparison. Of the two reports issued each year, the first should contain an assessment of the status and basis of ongoing wage negotiations, and the second an assessment of the results of any such negotiations or a discussion of other matters relevant to the Committee’s purpose.
The Office of the State Conciliation and Mediation Officer provides the Committee with work and meeting facilities.