After a period of tension between the Social Democrats and the Danish Confederation of Trade Unions (FH) due to the abolition of Great Prayer Day as a public holiday, the two are now joining forces to celebrate May 1st in Haderslev. This year also marks a special occasion, as brewery worker Arne Juhl, the symbol of the campaign for early retirement, is entering his own “Arne pension”. Last year, the situation was different, as no social democratic members of parliament were invited to speak at FH’s May 1st events. But this year, both Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and FH President Morten Skov Christiansen are scheduled to give speeches, signaling a restoration of cooperation. Morten Skov Christiansen expresses that even though there have been disagreements, there are still many common goals, especially when it comes to working environment, education, and a dignified retirement from the labor market. “It is important to advocate for this,” he says. Employment Minister Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen and Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard are also among the speakers in Haderslev, and Hummelgaard will also speak at FH’s larger event in Fælledparken in Copenhagen. The Arne pension, passed in 2020, allows for earlier retirement for those who have been in the workforce for more than 42 years. This initiative was supported by the Social Democrats, Danish People’s Party, Enhedslisten, and SF, and is an example of how political parties can collaborate on important social reforms. This year’s May 1st will therefore not only be a celebration of International Workers’ Day, but also a celebration of the progress made to ensure a more fair retirement for workers in Denmark.

Read the danish version here