The temporary agency BlueCollar A/S has not wanted to recruit foreign workers for the Fehmarn project, as the wages that some of FLC’s subcontractors have offered the workers do not meet the temporary agency’s requirements.
– In our opinion, the salaries were too low, says Magdalena Bahrami, director and co-owner of BlueCollar A/S, who has so far abandoned opening an office in Nykøbing, as was otherwise the plan.
– It is not enough to offer a minimum wage according to the collective agreement. It must be on the same terms as they offer to their own employees, and to which 3F can nod approvingly, says Magdalena Bahrami.
Not aware of wage-dumping subcontractors
FemenReport has submitted the Femern Link Contractors (FLC) criticism. FLC does not want to appear for an interview, but has sent a written answer.
“FLC has not received any inquiries from BlueCollar A/S, and we are not aware that the social clauses are not being observed on the project”, writes FLC’s communications manager Eva Bunimowicz”.
“We do not know which sub-suppliers are involved, and at no time have we become aware of the situation you describe in your email – until now”, it continues.
3F Lolland is watching
At 3F Lolland, however, we are aware that the wages for the foreign workers are lagging at some of FLC’s subcontractors, and the trade union has devoted many resources to making the subcontractors aware that there must be local negotiations on wages with the individual trade union representatives and chess.
– Some social clauses say that the work must take place according to Danish wage and employment conditions, and it does. Still, some employers say that as long as the unskilled get the minimum wage stipulated in the collective agreement, that must be enough. But no Danes work for 135-136 kroner, or 18 euros, an hour, says Bjarne Jensen, deputy chairman of 3F Lolland to FemernReport.
22 euros in starting salary
FLC states that the starting salary for all unskilled blue-collar employees employed by FLC is DKK 165, or around 22 euros, per hour, regardless of nationality. As a result of the local wage agreement, they will automatically increase in salary according to a fixed salary model, where everyone will receive a final salary of DKK 185 per hour, regardless of nationality.
What do you do to ensure that your subcontractors live up to the social clauses?
“We carry out checks on our sub-suppliers through the audit company BDO Danmark to make sure that everyone complies with the provisions of the collective agreement,” says Eva Bunimowicz.
Salary increase of three per cent
According to 3F, Fehmarn workers have the right to have their wages negotiated locally once a year.
When was the last time FLC negotiated with the blue collar employees, and what did you negotiate?
“We negotiate the blue-collar salary once a year in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement, no later than July 12, 2022, when everyone received a salary increase of 3 per cent,” says Eva Bunimowicz.
