Fræðslublað Eflingar

power.” Innocentia, a union representative in the workplace, says that union representation in the workplace is extremely important. She points out that if people do not know their rights, there is an increased risk of wage violations. “As a union representative, I learn a lot about myself and build myself up with this knowledge. When my colleagues ask me questions, I can share what I know – but if I do not know something, I call Efling and have it sorted out.” Innocentia was elected to the board of Efling this spring and is the first African woman to serve on the board of a trade union in Iceland. Foriegn women were encouraged to run for office and Innocentia was nominated. “It can be difficult to find people of foriegn origin to take part in such work, because people are often shy about volunteering due to the language. As I told you before, I‘m always willing to learn something new, so of course I just said yes. With my expe- rience, I can do anything. I have lived here for 18 years, I am part of the community and I have to participate. I can not sit at home and be part of the community. If my posi- tion on Efling‘s board mobilizes more people from Africa to increase their participation in society, I am happy.” face difficulties: You are a strong girl, you can do it!” This first job was difficult, with long shifts and a lot to do, but the feel- ing that followed when she recieved her first paycheck was unforgettable: “I have become independent!” After two years in this position, her supervisors asked her to add tasks that she was unwilling to do, were not part of her job and outside of her job description. When her supervisors would not relent, she quit – and shortly after this she began working in the kitchen at Landspítali, where she has worked for the last 16 years. Standing up for her rights in her first job was a momentous point in Innocentia’s life. She found her voice, her conviction and her mission. She learned that with her new voice and conviction, she could help others in their struggle for rights, and has done so ever since both on a personal level and through organizations. Landspítalinn and Class Struggle Innocentia is satisfied with her work at Landspítali. She describes the staff as one big family. “I learn so much about different nations and different cultures, people from 15 different countries work here. We all bring our different experiences and cultures to the table. That gives us a lot of “My grandmother always said that the eye was lazy but the hands were the strongest tools” FRÆÐSLUBLAÐ EFLINGAR-STÉTTARFÉLAGS 27