Wages and sectors
Working in the industrial sector If you get a job in Denmark, it is important that you join 3F and 3F’s unemployment insurance fund. You can always contact your local 3F branch to get answers to your questions.

These rules apply to those working in the industrial sector, including factory and warehouse jobs.

If you begin work in the industrial field, we recommend becoming a member of 3F. With the support of our 64 branches, as well as your trade union and work environment representatives, we will ensure that you receive the same benefits and rights as your colleagues through our collective agreements.

 Wages

As of 1 March 2024, the minimum pay per hour in the industrial sector is DKK 131,65. However, since this is a minimum rate and not necessarily your actual hourly wage, you should contact your trade union representative or your local 3F branch to find out the actual hourly wage at your workplace.

Once a year, you are entitled to a new wage negotiation, which most often takes place through your trade union representative. This is a collective wage negotiation that applies to you and your colleagues. 

 Contract of employment When you start a new job, you and your trade union representative must ensure that you receive a contract of employment from your new employer within one month. If there is no trade union representative at your workplace, you should contact your local 3F branch, where we will review the contract with you. Working hours Your standard weekly working hours are generally 37 hours. Any hours worked beyond this will be compensated with overtime pay. Additionally, if you work evening or night shifts (for 34 hours per week) or on public holidays, you will receive additional compensation for these hours. Industriens Pension If you have previously been covered by a labour market pension, you will be covered from the first day of your new employment. Otherwise, you will be covered by the pension plan two months after starting your employment. Your employer contributes 10% of your taxable wages, and you contribute 2% of your wages. Speak to your trade union representative or your local 3F branch to learn what this trade union-established pension plan includes for you and your family. Holidays Generally, you are entitled to five weeks of holiday. After nine months of employment, you are also entitled to an additional five days of paid holiday. The scheduling and approval of your holidays are typically arranged with your employer, often in collaboration with your trade union representative. Your free choice wage account

When you work in the industrial sector, your employer pays an amount into a free choice account each month during the working year. The amount depends on the collective agreement but is always stated as a percentage.

It is calculated based on a percentage of your wages, a percentage as compensation for public holiday payment and a percentage for additional holiday which can be opted out of.

The funds in the free choice account (fritvalgskontoen) can be saved for retirement, used for senior days off, for taking two self-care days, for taking time off to visit the doctor with your child, for taking time off on your child’s second full sick day, or for additional pay during time off in connection with holidays, public holidays, vacation days, or other contractual days off.

As of 1 March 2024, the free choice account constitutes 9% of the pay used as a basis for calculating holiday payment.

 Illness

If you become ill, you must notify your employer as soon as possible. Specific procedures for reporting illness are outlined in your employment contract.

During the first six months of your employment, sickness benefits are provided by your municipality, with your employer assisting in the process.

After six months of employment, you are entitled to full pay during illness for up to nine weeks.

In case of a workplace injury, always reach out to your work environment representative, who will assist you in handling the situation.

 

 Childbirth

If you or your partner becomes pregnant, both the father and the mother are entitled to paid maternity leave.

Contact your trade union representative or your local 3F branch to ensure that the agreement and rights are adhered to. 

 Sick days for children/hospitalisation After nine months of employment, you are entitled to full pay if your child, under the age of 14, falls ill on the first day of sickness. If the illness requires hospitalization and round-the-clock parental care, you are entitled to five days of paid leave from your employer. Education/further education After nine months of employment, you are entitled to at least two weeks of self-selected education or training with wage compensation, in addition to the enterprise-related training provided by your employer. This includes options such as taking a Danish language course, where fees may be covered if you have exhausted your municipal support options. Additionally, 85% of your lost wages will be reimbursed during the course. Problems/conflicts/termination If you run into problems or otherwise feel insecure in your place of work, then do not hesitate to contact your trade union representative or your 3F branch. We are here for you. We wish you good luck with your new work and new colleagues. 
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