Union membership in Denmark

Trade union membership is voluntary in Denmark, but there is a high level of union membership among Danish workers at all levels of employment. In fact, more than 70 % of Danish wage earners are members of a trade union.

The high number of union memberships in Denmark is due to two things:

• The central role that trade unions play in the Danish labour market
• The numerous member benefits

As a member you have access to a wide range of services related to contracts, career guidance, wage negotiations etc. Furthermore, membership provides a great opportunity to establish personal and professional networks, as there are several social and professional activities within the framework of the trade unions.

As a foreigner in Denmark, it pays to belong to a union that knows the danish labour market and gives you the best possible advice.

Selecting a trade union

Your choice of trade union depends on your training/position and workplace. IDA is for students and professionals who are either educated or working within the fields of IT, engineering and the natural sciences.

Find out more about who can become a member of IDA here.

Unemployment insurance funds

Danish trade unions are associated with specific unemployment insurance funds, but you do not need to be a member of both a trade union and an unemployment insurance fund – it is possible to be a member of just one of these organisations, independently of the other.

As an employee and a member of an unemployment insurance fund, you can receive unemployment benefit if unemployed for a period of time. Read more about unemployment insurance funds and how to join one on this page.