From 3 to 6 November, representatives of the Lithuanian Industry Trade Union Federation (LPPSF), together with trade union colleagues from Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, took part in a study visit organised by the Danish trade union organisation 3F. During the visit, participants learned about the specific features of the Danish labour market, trade union activities, practices for protecting workers’ rights and cooperation between public authorities.
The LPPSF delegation was represented by the President Dalia Jakutavičė, Vice President Jurga Subačiūtė-Žemaitienė, Chair of the Lifosa Workers’ Trade Union Marijus Vozniakas and his Deputy Andrius Kačerauskas.
Green transition and workers’ interests
During the visit, participants toured the factory of Vestas, a wind turbine manufacturer. They learned about its production processes, the challenges posed by the green transition and the role of trade unions.
The visit provided an opportunity to discuss how the energy transition is transforming industry, what new skills workers need, and why it is important to ensure that technological and environmental changes go hand in hand with the protection of workers’ interests.
Challenges to workers’ rights
Another important stop on the visit was the Fehmarn Belt Tunnel construction site. This is one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects: the approximately 18-kilometre-long immersed tunnel will connect Denmark and Germany. It will accommodate a four-lane motorway and a double-track railway. Once completed, it will be the world’s longest immersed tunnel, constructed using enormous prefabricated concrete segments.
Projects of this scale and international scope pose not only engineering challenges but also significant social challenges. Discussions focused on the employment of foreign workers, the application of collective agreements and ensuring decent working conditions.
Participants also learned about the Danish model of cooperation between eight trade unions under one roof. This organisational approach enables trade unions to coordinate their activities, share resources and represent workers’ interests more effectively.
Cooperation between public authorities
Another important topic of the visit was combating social dumping and the exploitation of workers.
Allan Koch, a representative of the Danish Tax Agency, explained how the tax administration, the labour inspection authority and the police cooperate to identify labour law and other violations. Participants discussed practical enforcement mechanisms, information sharing between institutions and the importance of coordinated action in ensuring fair working conditions.
This experience demonstrates that effective protection of workers’ rights depends not only on legislation but also on the ability of public authorities to cooperate, identify violations in a timely manner and ensure accountability.
International cooperation for stronger workers’ representation
The visit also focused on the Danish labour market model, in which collective bargaining, social dialogue and strong trade unions play a central role. Discussions also addressed EU enlargement, opportunities for trade unions to influence integration processes and the situation of Ukrainian trade unions.
Such visits provide an opportunity not only to learn from the experience of other countries but also to seek joint solutions to common challenges – from protecting workers during the green transition to combating social dumping and ensuring fair working conditions.
Denmark’s experience once again demonstrates that strong trade unions, effective collective bargaining and cooperation between public authorities are essential to creating a safe and fair working environment for all.
