News

Who can help if you get fired or wish to resign?

Published online: 02.10.2023

Both as a student with a student job and as a recent graduate, it is important that you know your rights and get correct advice about your contract. Fortunately, there is help available.

News

Who can help if you get fired or wish to resign?

Published online: 02.10.2023

Both as a student with a student job and as a recent graduate, it is important that you know your rights and get correct advice about your contract. Fortunately, there is help available.

As a member of a trade union, you are guaranteed legal support and advice from experts in your industry.

The most important purpose of trade unions is to look after the interests of employees. A trade union supports you if you run into problems or disagreements in the labor market. This could be, e.g., if you are dismissed or forced to call in sick for a longer period of time.

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.

Most trade unions offer to:

• Check your employment contract so you know what you are signing, get the best possible terms and avoid unpleasant surprises.
• Advice on salary negotiation if you gain new skills or are given new tasks that mean you deserve more in salary
• Help you with career advice, career development and further education

A trade union can, among other things, help you with legal help if you need it

• In a conflict situation with your employer
• If you are dismissed from your job
• If you want to quit your job yourself
• If your employer goes bankrupt
• If you become pregnant or ill

Member or not?

There can be many reasons why you may need a trade union. It is therefore a clear recommendation from the career counsellors that you consider joining a trade union when you enter the Danish labor market.

It is voluntary whether you want to be a member of a trade union or not, but there is one advantage in particular that is worth keeping in mind: As a member, you are guaranteed proper pay and working conditions.

You can also always ask your trade union for help in negotiating better pay or better conditions.

If you do not wish to be a member of a trade union, you can instead choose to contact a lawyer who can offer you legal assistance.

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.