Approximately 80 percent of wage earners belong to unions, which are independent of the Government and political parties. The Danish Confederation of Trade Unions, which includes about one-half of the country's work force, remains closely associated with the Social Democratic Party. Unions may affiliate freely with international organizations, and they do so actively. All unions except those representing civil servants or the military have the right to strike. The Right to Organize and Bargain Collectively Workers and employers acknowledge each other's right to organize.
Collective bargaining is protected by law and is widespread in practice.
The law prohibits antiunion discrimination by employers against union members and organizers, and there are mechanisms to resolve disputes. Employers found guilty of antiunion discrimination are required to reinstate workers fired for union activities. In the private sector, salaries, benefits, and working conditions are agreed upon in triennial negotiations between the various employers' associations and their union counterparts. If the negotiations fail, a national conciliation board mediates, and its proposal is voted on by management and labor. The agreements, in turn, are used as guidelines throughout the public as well as the private sector.