Know your rights: Union representation and salary negotiations in Danish research

Navigating the Danish labour market can be confusing, especially for junior and international researchers who often end up learning about employment conditions and salary matters late, informally, or in inconsistent ways. This event offers a practical and timely introduction to the Danish union system, your rights as an employee, and how unions and union representatives (TRs) can support you throughout your working life. During the event, participants will get an overview of the Danish union system and the Danish model, including collective agreements, salary negotiations, and unemployment insurance funds. We will also focus on the role of union representatives at AU: who they are, what they actually do to support researchers’ working conditions and salary progression, and when and how it makes sense to approach them. Particular attention will be given to when these topics become relevant during a junior research career, so the information comes when you need it.

The event is aimed at junior researchers across disciplines and is especially relevant for those who are new to the Danish system or working in international environments. There will be time for questions and discussion with all speakers, helping participants leave with a clearer sense of their rights and the relevant timelines.

Programme

14:00–14:05: JRA - Welcome and introduction

14:05–14:15: AU union representative (to be confirmed) - Danish Trade Unions for academics

14:15–15:00: Helle Bruun Madsen (DM) - The Danish model, the collective agreement, salary negotiations and your rights as an employee

15:00–15:15: Coffee break and cake

15:15–15:35: AU union representative (to be confirmed) - Structure and purpose of TRs at AU, how to approach them, and common issues among researchers that TRs can help with

15:35–15:55: Q&A with all speakers

15:55–16:00: JRA/all - Final remarks