>Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 14:46:01 -0500 >From: 32 HOURS <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >MIME-Version: 1.0 >>Subject: NEWS FROM 32 HOURS > >NEWS FROM 32 HOURS: > >DANISH WORKERS BARGAIN FOR SIXTH WEEK OF VACATION > >Bargaining between the Confederation of Danish Industries and the >Central Organization of Industrial Employees in Denmark concluded in >late January, nearly 3 weeks ahead of the deadline. The highlight of >the deal is an additional 5 days of paid vacation, bringing the total >entitlement for industrial workers up to six weeks. Workers who do not >take the five additional days, which can be taken all in a lump or >individually, will receive wages in lieu. Workers also gained >additional occupational pension contributions. Meanwhile, the term of >the agreement was extended to four years (they are typically two year >deals) providing employers with some much sought-after stability. The >agreement also creates more flexibility in negotiating working >conditions and wages at a decentralized, local level. > >The choice between wages and free time means that work time reduction is >only a possibility, rather than a done deal. A similar choice between >wages, time off, or increased pension contributions was offered to >Swedish paper workers in 1998. A follow-up study showed that the most >popular selection (at about 39%) was the additional free time. > >Details of the Danish "Stability Pact" are available at >http://www.eiro.eurofound.ie/2000/02/inbrief/DK0002166N.html > >Mark Hudson >Outreach Coordinator >32 HOURS >244 Gerrard St. E. >Toronto, ON >M5A 2G2 >(416) 925-6522 >[EMAIL PROTECTED] >www.web.net/32hours >
