Danish holiday rules conflict with EU regulations

The EU Commission accuses Denmark of breaching workers’ social rights

Lucie Rychla

The Danish holiday rules are in conflict with EU regulations, DR reports.

Denmark should respect workers’ rights for paid holidays in the same year as when they earn them, requests the EU Commission in an official letter.

READ MORE: Union views: Negotiating the Holiday Blues

Against social rights
The EU Commission expressed concerns about this issue last September in response to a complaint.

After analysing the government’s response, the EU Commission concluded Danish rules contradict the fundamental social rights for a minimum level of paid annual leave, which is guaranteed by the EU.

“For some workers – such as those who are new to the Danish labour market or those with fixed-term contracts – this means they cannot go on holiday during their first year of work, or perhaps not at all during their employment,” reads the official statement.

Has to be fixed
Danish holiday rules are in stark conflict with the EU working time directive and the government now has two months to correct the situation.

Should the government fail to do so, the EU Commission may decide to refer the case to the European Court of Justice.

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