In Denmark, there is a
tradition for employees to be a member of a trade union. The trade
unions safeguard the interests of their members in relation to
employers, ensuring reasonable salary and working conditions. A trade
union is not the same as an unemployment fund.
Ensures orderly conditions
There
is also a tradition for employers to be members of organised
associations. Most employers and their associations are happy to work
together with trade unions. They see it as an advantage that employees
thrive and feel satisfied in the workplace. At the same time,
collective agreements ensure stability and orderly conditions in
relation to wage increases, strikes and working hours.
Freedom of association
In
Denmark, the principle of freedom of association applies. This means
that it is up to the individual employee to decide whether to become a
member of a trade union. For this reason, an employer may not demand
trade union affiliations in connection with the hiring or dismissal of
an employee. Nor can colleagues demand that a person join a particular
trade union. Many employees decide to become a member of the trade
union that has a collective agreement with their employer.
Typically,
trade unions are divided up according to occupation and work area. Your
choice of trade union will ultimately depend on your education and
field of work. As a trade union member you must pay a membership fee.
