Unions

One may be a bit naive if one thinks that EU tries to ensure the mobility of employees throughout Europe. At one level it might be so, but then you have never heard or thought of unions. Or what about unemployment? Denmark has a one of a kind unique system. In Germany this is handled by the state. So since the countries are handling unemployment differently this is of course also something one has to think seriouisly about moving between the countries.

Unions

In Germany the Union is very strong. When you listen to the radio you get the impression that employees are constantly on the barricades. Almost like in the Car industry in England in the 60’s and 70’s. There is hardly a day where the media does not talk about an area where people are on the barricades. When a company reaches a certain size they have to build a so called “Betriebsrat”. This grows bigger and bigger, the bigger the company becomes. Betriebsrat has a close relation to the unions. And this might also force you to join the union with whom the company negotiates. If you are member of a union where you come from this isn’t worth anything in Germany. Be aware about this when you start in a German company. Unions are everything and they are proud of their union.

Unimployment

The day you move abroad you are thrown out of the unemployment system you know and you will have to enter the system at your future working place. You are within Europe not allowed to be member of two different systems – even if they are in different countries. In Germany you are insured through the state. Your employer pays to the state, and the state then handles the situation should you end up being unemployed. Btw – being unemployed in Germany is no fun. There are other countries in Europe where this is handled a whole lot better.