Changes are here to stay – and the union rep's are ready to help

This became clear when almost 100 union representatives met in early September in Roskilde for two days of time and space for debate, learning, perspective and the opportunity to 'vent' everything that takes up space in everyday life.

What do the members dream about?

In a really exciting presentation from political commentator Lawand Hiwa Namo, the participants were challenged on what matters to the trade union members of the future. What exactly are the challenges we need to solve for them if they are to find it relevant to be a member? The new generations are making greater demands than they did when union membership was a matter of course, so we need to lift our eyes and get ready for the new reality.

After a short 1:1 discussion break, it quickly became clear that many concerns are difficult to solve in the classic way through the negotiation of terms in a collective agreement. Sure, frameworks can be set up around working hours, wages, etc. – but how do we describe solutions to poor well-being in the family, housing challenges in and outside the cities, care obligations as relatives, work pressure, etc.?

The classic old trade unions founded housing associations, insurance companies, banks and funeral homes to help their members. But what is it that today's trade union must do to remain relevant, also for the members of the future?

Lawand's presentation concluded with a debate where internal and external stakeholders shared their views and experiences in creating engagement and relevance.

‘Folkemøde’ in mini format

A classic ‘Folkemøde’ offers freedom of choice between what you want to experience and get involved in – and also time for reflection and networking. The participants all got to experience this when our mini Folkemøde took place. It took place in a weather that occasionally showed its teeth, but that did not stop the participants – the engagement was high.

A total of five tents offered very different themes:

• Debate on Strategy 2030, Take the Lead and the new Career Hub, where Peder Bak (Country Senior Manager and Head of Large Corporates and Institutions) and Lotte Schiffer (Head of People in DK and in Group Technology) were met with high energy and great willingness to debate.
• 'Democracy fitness' with a different approach to being able to handle disagreement and debate in a respectful way
• 'AI at Nordea', where Malthe Falck (Head of Group Digital) explained Nordea's ambitions in the AI area, and not least how employees can join the journey
• 'The Trade Union of the Future' – an introduction to the results of the project that Finansforbundet has been working on for the past three years based on the question: If you were to build trade unions from scratch now, what would they look like?
• 'The union's strength – your role' – a debate on how the union representatives with their local efforts can strengthen the union and ensure its relevance now and in the future.
• 'Mingle' – a lounge where Finansforbundet's chairman, Dorrit Brandt, was ready for a talk about what is going on among the members.

In other words, a little something for everyone – but nothing that was not relevant to a union representative at Nordea.

Complaint booth or dream factory?

How do you see yourself as a union representative? As the manager of a complaints booth – or more of a dream factory? What does it do to you and your desire to listen if the focus is only on what doesn't work ... without suggestions on how it could be solved? And could it be that you are not alone with that feeling? 

We spent the last hours of the seminar on constructive talks in local groups, where plans were made for how the work for the members can be developed in a way that gives energy and, not least, results.

Formal and informal speaking

Of course, there was also time for a debate about everyday life at Nordea – and finally, there was time that was not scheduled. Here, large and small things were turned around, new networks were formed and 'old' ones were maintained.

"I am so impressed that the health & safety and union representatives are always ready, no matter what we offer – the commitment is great. We know that the changes at Nordea are an inevitable condition, and after the seminar I have no doubt that everyone is ready to help members through it in the best possible way," says Chairman Kasper Skovgaard Pedersen, who is already looking forward to 2027 when the next seminar takes place.

If you want to know more about what happened at the seminar – ask the union representatives where you are.