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Do you have your salary and contract under control before you sign?
Published online: 01.04.2023
News
Do you have your salary and contract under control before you sign?
Published online: 01.04.2023
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Do you have your salary and contract under control before you sign?
As a student and recent graduate, being a member of a trade union can provide substantial value for you. It can e.g., help you with salary and contract practicalities, and there are other benefits, such as the fact that you can take part in courses that give you new skills for free.
In Denmark, it is completely normal to contact your trade union if you are in doubt about your working conditions – this does not escalate the conflict. Even if it is an unskilled student job, it is possible for you to get help.
The salary negotiation
Your first salary negotiation is important, because it is important for your career to set the bar at the right level from the beginning.
4 tips for the salary negotiation:
4 tips for the salary negotiation
- 1
Prepare to talk about salary before the job interview
- 2
Think about what you can offer and argue for what you can
- 3
Talk to your trade union - they will help you with guidance and concrete plans for your salary level compared to others in your industry. Please note that there may be differences in salary in Copenhagen vs. Aalborg, and at large companies vs. smaller companies
- 4
If your employer is not willing to negotiate, arrange a quick salary negotiation within 6 months where you have shown them what you can do
The employment contract
Before you start your new job, you must have an employment contract. The contract determines your terms of employment in relation to, among other things working hours and place, salary, holiday, and maternity/paternity leave. In addition to the statutory minimum requirements for employees, the contract may contain terms that you have negotiated yourself.
For public employees and many private employees, most of your rights will be laid down in a collective agreement.
But regardless of whether you are a private or public employee, you have the opportunity to negotiate better terms in your contract.
4 things the contract must contain:
4 things the contract must contain:
- 1
How much holiday you are entitled to
- 2
How long notice you have
- 3
Your salary, pension, and maternity conditions
- 4
Your working hours and conditions in relation to overtime
If you are a member of a union, it is a particularly good idea to have them review the contract before you sign. If you do not want to be a member of a trade union, you can get a lawyer to check your contract.
What is a trade union?
A trade union is an association of wage earners that looks after their interests. It negotiates, for example, collective agreements, wages and working conditions for you. Already while you are a student, it may be a clever idea for you to be a member of a trade union. For example, you may need legal help if you are fired from your student job. Membership as a student is usually free.
