Danish unions

The trade unions represent the interests of their members in the workplace.

One of the most important tasks of the trade unions is to get all workplaces covered by collective agreements, and to contribute to improving these agreements on an ongoing basis – including tackling problems with wages.

If you have questions about your rights and obligations as an employee, you can contact the head office or local branch of the trade union that is affiliated with the industry or technical area concerned.

Tex deducations for union fees

Trade union members pay a membership fee to the union.

Wage-earners are entitled to a tax deduction for the fee. This is often printed in advance on the tax return form.

You can find information on how much of the membership fee is deductible at the website of the Danish tax authorities, skat.dk:

Confederations

The local union branches are affiliated with a trade union, which in turn is affiliated with a confederation.

The union and confederation undertake, amongst other things, negotiations on general pay and working conditions.

The confederations can refer you to the trade unions affiliated with the various industries or technical areas.

There are two confederations in Denmark: The Confederation of Danish Trade Unions (FH)  is the largest trade union confederation in Denmark, and represents both public and private sector employees, including skilled workers, semi-skilled workers and lower-tier salaried employees. The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) represents university graduates in the public and private sectors.