The restaurants Ítalía and Geitin have appeared a lot in the news with claims of their staff, former staff and the union Efling of several and serious forms of wage theft.
According to workers’ claims reported in the newspaper Samstöðin and the union Efling, the boss does not pay salaries, or only part of the salaries, or not in time, even after being asked to do so repeatedly. Other claims are unpaid overtime, not paying union dues, and paying trial shifts with gift cards.
The union Efling adds that 38 staff have contacted them about these rights violations. According to Efling, 17.000.000 ISK of unpaid salaries is still due, which is around 40 months of a minimal wage. This led to the organization of a campaign with protests in front of the restaurant Ítalía.
The newspaper Samstöðin published an article about a former staff who was registered by the boss in a union that did not cover her activity, and the union dues not paid. The article explains how that form of stealing is not illegal in Iceland and how the bosses can make money for each worker who does not claim their rights.
Sources published from May to October 2024:
- https://www.visir.is/g/20242633723d/rekstrarfelag-italiu-a-frakka-stig-gjald-throta
- https://efling.is/en/italia/
- https://samstodin.is/2024/05/launathjofnadur-a-islandi-salome-skrad-i-gervi-verkalydsfelag-an-hennar-vitneskju/
- https://samstodin.is/2024/05/asakanir-um-launathjofnad-og-skattsvik-hja-veitingastadnum-italia-i-reykjavik/
The restaurants are owned by Elvar Ingimarsson and Björgvin Narfi Ásgeirsson through the company Opera Service ehf.
Opera Service ehf (kt: 620124-0360); Declared bankrupt 11.12.2024; Real Owner: Elvar Ingimarsson (company registry)
UHS ehf. (kt: 560321-2010); Declared bankrupt 13.12.2024; Real Owner: Elvar Ingimarsson (company registry)
Ítalgest ehf. (kt: 471292-2149); Declared bankrupt: 9.10.2024; Real Owner: Elvar Ingimarsson (company registry)