Ragnar Þór Steps Down as Chair of LÍV
09. December 2024Ragnar Þór Steps Down as Chair
Ragnar Þór Ingólfsson has stepped down as Chair of the Commercial Federation of Iceland (LÍV) following his election to the Icelandic Parliament in the general elections held on November 30, 2024. Ragnar Þór officially leaves his position today, December 9, 2024. Eiður Stefánsson, Vice-Chair of LÍV, has assumed the role of Chair in accordance with LÍV Board procedures and will serve as Chair until the end of the current term at the Federation's congress in October 2025.
Ragnar Þór was first elected Chair of LÍV in March 2019, leading Iceland's largest federation within the Confederation of Icelandic Labour (ASÍ) for over five years. He was re-elected in three subsequent elections. During his tenure, Ragnar Þór emphasized making LÍV a leader in discussions on democratization and increasing employee influence in the workplace. He highlighted the importance of ensuring fair transitions in response to challenges such as climate change and technological advancements, which have direct impacts on LÍV members' jobs. Housing issues and strengthening LÍV’s international collaborations were also central to his agenda, including LÍV's membership in the European Transport Workers Federation and the establishment of an international representative role for the Federation.
"I have been fortunate to work with an exceptional group of elected representatives and employees of the Commercial Federation of Iceland for more than five years. The LÍV Board is highly capable, and as Chair, I have greatly benefited from the professionalism of both the Board and the Federation's staff. I wish the new Chair and the current Board success in the projects ahead and thank everyone for their collaboration," said Ragnar Þór Ingólfsson, Member of Parliament and outgoing Chair of LÍV.
"I extend my heartfelt thanks to Ragnar Þór Ingólfsson for his nearly six years of service to the Commercial Federation of Iceland. We have worked closely together on the LÍV Board and collaborated effectively in collective bargaining on behalf of LÍV members. Ragnar has been a tireless advocate for improved living conditions for workers and has spoken on behalf of all affiliated unions within LÍV. He has been highly attuned to the changes affecting our members' jobs and has emphasized the importance of strong cooperation with international labor movements. I inherit a robust federation, and we will continue to work together to protect the interests of our members and maintain our partnerships. On behalf of the LÍV Board, I wish Ragnar the best in his new role in Parliament," said Eiður Stefánsson, Chair of LÍV.