The Danish Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) has unexpectedly reduced its demands for wage increases for privately employed members. The move, which pertains to over half a million people, came ahead of discussions over an industrial workforce collective agreement for the next year.
Harald Borsting, the LO Chairman, conceded that major wage increases would be unrealistic in the aftermath of the global economic crisis. “We must accept that there is no space for major wage increases this time. Instead I put priority on the need to look into other elements that can give our members more job security,” he stated, reasoning that industrial employers should maintain their existing wage levels with hopes of future improvements.
To address the current employment concerns, LO has announced that plans are afoot to reduce the migrant workforce from Eastern Europe, which is seen as weakening Danish collective agreements, along with providing greater support for those who have been laid-off to aid them in returning to the workforce.
Politiken reports that Borsting will meet with his Confederation of Danish Industry counterpart, Hans Skov Christensen, in an effort to reach a new collective agreement with regards to the 600,000 industry workers who are spread across the transport, service and constructions sectors. Skov Christensen has to date refused to comment on the LO proposal.