Today’s news / Danish union advocates for improved au pair scheme

Danish union advocates for improved au pair scheme

The Danish union FOA, which represents au pairs, believes that the au pair arrangement should be improved rather than completely abandoned as recently done by Norway. The Norwegian government parties decided to abolish the scheme, deeming it a source of cheap labor rather than cultural exchange. Pia Heidi Nielsen, FOA’s sector chairman, argues against following Norway’s example, instead suggesting enhancements in the existing system focusing on protection and wages. Lawmakers Green Party and Red-Green Alliance have proposed changes to grant au pairs rights equivalent to other workers in the Danish labor market. Currently, au pairs in Denmark can work a maximum of 30 hours per week and must receive at least 4700 DKK/month. The proposal calls for a legal work and residence arrangement for family helpers.