Italian company found guilty of underpaying Metro workers

The Italian company Cipa, a subcontractor working on the Copenhagen Metro, has been found guilty of underpaying its employees. Cipa has been ordered to pay to 22 million kroner to employees from Portugal, Italy and Romania in a case brought on behalf of the workers by trade union 3F.

3F had asked for 30.5 million kroner in damages, and even though the award is nearly 10 million kroner less, it is still the largest arbitration award in Danish construction history.

READ MORE: Metro firm “controls employees through fear”

CMT, the main contractor involved in the Metro construction project, said that it takes the decision seriously.

“We take this very seriously,” Sigurd Nissen-Petersen, a CMT spokesperson, told TV2 News. “We will read the order through and talk to Metroselskabet. It is too early to say at this time what the consequences will be.”

Employees afraid
3F represented 200 Cipa Metro employees, 39 of whom testified that, among other charges, Cipa allegedly forged signatures on employee pay checks. Silas Grage from 3F said that several other employees had failed to come forward because they feared the consequences, including fearing for their families' safety.

Cipa has denied the charges throughout.

TOP STORIES

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs