Key figures
80%
employees are covered by a collective agreement in Denmark
7%
in Lithuania are covered by a collective agreement
65%
of the private sector in the EU is covered by a collective agreement
Social dialogue is the path to social rights
A strong and effective social dialogue is essential to achieving the social rights set out in the European Pillar of Social Rights.
If we are to ensure decent pay and working conditions, it requires the involvement of the social partners. As representatives of workers and employers respectively, the social partners possess the best understanding of the conditions and frameworks of the real labour market – knowledge that legislators do not always have.
FH therefore wishes to use the Danish Presidency to highlight the importance of an effective social dialogue at both national and European level.
We have solid experience with this in Denmark, where our collective bargaining model has ensured flexible collective agreements tailored to the needs of both companies and employees.
Read more about the Danish model here (insert link to the Danish model brochure).
Don’t forget the social partners – also at EU level
At European level, the involvement of the social partners is just as crucial as it is nationally. Their engagement helps ensure sustainable and pragmatic solutions to the challenges facing the EU — both now and in the future.
The social partners already play an important role as consultees in matters related to social and employment policy. This role should be further strengthened and expanded so that the social partners are systematically consulted on all relevant EU proposals that impact working life.
This is especially important in relation to the European Commission’s forthcoming Quality Jobs Roadmap. FH believes this roadmap should highlight how social dialogue and flexibility for the social partners can help promote more quality jobs for European workers.
The EU can also support stronger involvement of the social partners when national initiatives are launched to implement the green and digital transitions.
In Denmark, we have strong traditions of worker involvement and workplace-level dialogue. These practices could be of great benefit if promoted more widely across Europe.
