Tough pay negotiations for public sector workers

Negotiations for the salaries of 190,000 public sector employees in Denmark are reaching a critical stage, with the most challenging issues left to resolve. Rita Bundgaard, head of the union HK State and chief negotiator, is working on significant sticking points with Finance Minister Nicolai Wammen. Wammen has proposed a salary increase cap of 8.8%, while trade unions demand double-digit raises over the next two years. The economic framework remains a central topic of discussion. Bundgaard reiterated the demand for higher raises than Wammen’s proposal and stresses the importance of noticeable, prompt salary increases. Other aspects like flexibility and work hours are also being discussed. The outcome will set the tone for negotiations affecting all 800,000 public employees, with municipal and regional agreements expected later in the week. Sector-specific negotiations for groups like nurses and teachers will follow. All discussions must conclude by the end of February, with new agreements effective April 1st when current contracts expire.