The new agreement for 230,000 industrial employees and 6,000 companies has been settled. There is more to be happy about if you are an employee than if you are an employer.
Jakob Søndergaard Nielsen, CEO of Metalcolour, had feared an expensive deal - and that's what he got. Metalcolour, which among other things provides painting for the automotive industry, is one of the 6,000 affected companies.
- It is expensive, and it can be difficult to see what we as companies have gained from the agreement. But it is a three-year agreement, and that is a plus for us, says Jakob Søndergaard Nielsen, who is also the chairman of DI Lolland-Falster.
Another plus is less bureaucracy.
- For companies, it will be easier to handle payment for overtime. And the optional account will also be easier to manage, he says.
Only a small part of the salary is set centrally. The rest must be negotiated at the individual companies during the spring. Only then will the final bill be known. So far, it is clear that the minimum wage will increase from 136.15 kroner to 146.90 kroner over the next three years.
More freedom
Employees have gained more flexibility in several places. Employees now have the right to leave in special family situations. This includes the right to take leave on the child's third sick day. Grandparents have also gained the right to two annual care days to look after their grandchildren. These days off are unpaid, but the employee can receive a payment from their optional account.
- It is a compromise, and I hope that employees can see the value of what has been achieved. However, many industrial companies may find it difficult to provide the requested flexibility because production must be maintained, explains Jakob Søndergaard Nielsen.
The pension increases
On the other side of the negotiating table sat representatives from, among others, 3F. The chairman of 3F Guldborgsund, Niels Henriksen, notes that the pension contribution is now increasing.
- We have lagged behind the public sector in this area for many years. Now the pension contribution increases from 12 to 13 percent, and that is important, he says.
A new aspect of the agreement is that health and safety representatives will henceforth receive an annual allowance of 9,000 kroner. However, the allowance only applies if you are a member of a trade union under CO-Industri.
