A strong partner - while you work in Denmark
Welcome to Denmark
I hope your time working in Denmark will be a positive experience.
It can be difficult for someone from another country to get familiar with all the rules and rights that exist in Denmark.
The Danish Metalworkers' Union ("Dansk Metal") works professionally to safeguard the rights and interests of its members. We have been doing that for almost 120 years.
We therefore recommend you to join Dansk Metal, so you have a strong partner at your side if you find you have need of help.
Dansk Metal is a politically independent, democratic association, in which the members make the decisions.
We have 118,000 members in the manufacturing, building and construction, IT and telecommunications and service industries, in enterprises throughout Denmark.
This brochure shows you some of the things we can help with. We will do our best to ensure that the work you do here in Denmark will be on fair terms and in safe conditions.
With best regards
Claus Jensen
Union President
Check your employment conditions
As a foreign worker in Denmark, you have the right to the same pay and working conditions as Danish nationals.
In addition, your employer must comply with a large number of rules that apply to all employers, regardless of whether or not a collective agreement is in force at your workplace.
Collective agreements signed by Dansk Metal guarantee you a good standard of conditions for your work in Denmark. We train our own shop stewards and safety representatives, who work every day to ensure that their colleagues have good pay and working conditions.
If you are in doubt about whether you are being paid enough or whether the rules are being complied with, then contact us immediately.
Facts:
The average wage of members is DKK 156 per hour (July 2006)
In addition there are pension contributions and possible supplements
In some places in Denmark the wage is higher – in other places slightly lower.
Employment Contract
You have the right to an employment contract after you have worked for more than one month and if you work more than 8 hours a week.
The contract must state:
- Your name and address and that of your employer
- The date your employment started and your working hours
- Wage/net pay and supplements
- Job description or description of the work
- Duration of the employment and rules regarding termination of employment
- Holiday entitlements
- Terms laid down in collective agreements
Contact us immediately if you have not been issued with an employment contract or if you are in doubt about whether your contract is in order.
Take good care of yourself
You have the right to work without risking your health. In Denmark there is no additional payment for especially hazardous work. The employer has a duty to minimise any risks entailed by the work.
You should therefore be aware of your working conditions. If you believe that something may be hazardous, then contact us. We can look into the conditions for you.
You should be particularly aware of:
Dust or fumes – use of exhaust ventilation and a mask is essential in order to avoid serious lung disease.
Noise – you have the right to hearing protection if the noise exceeds 80 dB. Otherwise you are at risk of hearing injury, headaches, stress and sleeping problems.
Chemicals – can cause cancer, allergy, and nerve damage, and reduce your fertility. In Denmark all chemicals must be labelled and bear instructions for use.
Stress – typically caused by excessive rates of work and excessive pressure of time.
Heavy lifting, pushing and pulling – can damage your body. There are many aids to help you shift heavy materials.
Safety equipment and tools must be in order. This is one of your rights as a worker.
Under Danish law, your employer has a duty to pay for personal protective equipment.
Contact us immediately if you have any concerns about your safety at work.
Other benefits of membership
Free assistance with queries concerning:
- tax, pension and holiday pay
- pay and working conditions
- termination of employment and industrial injuries
Where to find us
If Dansk Metal has a shop steward at your place of work, you can raise any issues with him. Otherwise call our head office on telephone number (+45) 33 63 20 00.
The Danish Metalworkers' Union (Dansk Metal)
Nyropsgade 38
Postboks 308
DK-1780 København V
Telephone (+45) 33 63 20 00
Website: www.danskmetal.dk/
October 2006
Order No. OROR-022