Denmark: LO can’t stop its ‘member hemorrhage’

Last year, LO lost 34,000 members, bringing the number of dues-paying members down to 954,653 in 2009. the member hemorrhage affecting the union since 1996 (when it accounted for 1,331,917 members) doesn’t seem like it’s going to stop any time soon, in spite of initiatives to stamp it out (see our dispatch No. 080417). The worst-off federation is 3F (less than 16,000 members among low-skilled workers), the drop affects all LO unions, from HK (Handels- og Kontorfunktionærernes Forbund – the national union of commercial and clerical employees) to Dansk Metal (metalworkers’ union) to TIB (Træ-Industri-Byg – construction). On the contrary, Denmark’s other two key unions, FTF (Funktionærernes og Tjenestemændenes Fællesrad - confederation of salaried employees and civil servants) and AC (Akademikernes Centralorganisation – Danish confederation of professional associations), have added members.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

– og Kontorfunktionærernes Forbund – the national union of commercial and clerical employees) to Dansk Metal (metalworkers’ union) to TIB (Træ-Industri-Byg – construction). On the contrary, Denmark’s other two key unions, FTF (Funktionærernes og Tjenestemændenes Fællesrad – confederation of salaried employees and civil servants) and AC (Akademikernes Centralorganisation – Danish confederation of professional associations), have added members.

Reasons for disaffection. Professor Henning Jørgensen

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Spain: new terms and conditions for in-company training contracts
On 25 November, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a regulation on training contracts. This text defines the terms and conditions for hosting work-study students and interns doing professional...
2
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
3
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...