Trade Unions, A-kasse and Jobcenter
Trade unions, A-kasse, and Jobcenter Aarhus are all important to know about as you begin life after graduation here in Denmark.
Different people will make use of the different services available to them as an international, but there are three important parts of graduate life which are especially relevant here in Denmark.
Trade Unions
In Denmark, trade unions play an important role at workplaces and in society as general.
At many workplaces you will find a shop steward - which is a worker elected by the other workers at a company to represent them in discussions with management. Shop stewards participate in consultations with the management regarding working conditions, and in some cases represent the workers in wage negotiations.
At national level, trade unions negotiate collective agreements with employers’ organisations. Since collective agreements regulate large parts of the labour market, the trade unions play an important role to secure fair wages and good working conditions.
Membership of a trade union is not obligated by law. However, if you choose to become a member of a trade union, your choice of trade union depends on your education/position and workplace.
"A-kasse" or Danish unemployment insurance
The Danish unemployment insurance system is a voluntary insurance scheme. This means that you are not automatically insured against unemployment when working in Denmark. If you want to be insured against unemployment while working in Denmark, you must join a Danish unemployment insurance fund, also known as an "A-kasse". These are private associations, and once you have joined an unemployment insurance fund, you must pay contributions to the fund.
Many trade unions and A-kasse offer free membership with a lot of advantages while you are a still a student. Links to a selection of trade unions and A-kasse:
AKA – Akademikernes A-kasse
IDA – The Danish society of Engineers
DJØF – Association of academics
Jobcenter Aarhus - Unemployment Unit
The International Employment Unit is a team under Jobcenter Aarhus that works specifically with highly qualified internationals. The team is experienced in working with international job seekers and they are ready to give advice and guidance that may be helpful in the job search process. They can assist you with your CV, solicited and unsolicited cover letters, coaching for the job interview, mapping of your competences, etc. The job centre can also provide you with insight into how to build and strengthen professional networks, as well as give information on how to contact companies, company internships, and wage subsidised employment projects. They offer a wide range of workshops and webinars designed specifically for international jobseekers.
You can find more information here.