Today’s news / Parties entered open-ended labor talks Thursday
KL's chief negotiator, Michael Ziegler, finds it difficult to say when an agreement will be reached in connection with the collective bargaining negotiations for regional and municipal employees, he said on Thursday. (Archive photo). Photo: Martin Sylvest/Ritzau Scanpix

Parties entered open-ended labor talks Thursday

On Thursday, regional and municipal employee contract negotiations proceeded without a predetermined end time, led by Michael Ziegler of the Local Government Denmark (KL). While some progress had been made, certain themes remained difficult in the collective bargaining discussions. Ziegler highlighted a consistently positive atmosphere amid the talks. Approximately 150,000 regional and 500,000 municipal workers were represented by the Danish Trade Union Confederation (FH). Academics, with separate negotiations, accounted for 55,000 in municipalities and 38,000 in regions. Following the recent securing of an 8.8 percent salary increase over two years for state workers, similar outcomes were anticipated for municipal and regional employees. Ziegler anticipated a successful outcome without delays, impacting critical municipal services like education and elderly care.