A trade union or a federation of trade unions is an organization of employees, who work for the common goal of attending to the members interests.

The trade unions management carries bargaining and negotiation agreements with employers on behalf of its members.

The European trade unions arose almost at the same time as the industrialization began in the 1800s. When the workforce was moved from agriculture to industry, the employees began organizing in groups to secure better salaries – and terms of employment. Rules concerning minimum wage, resignation notice periods, working hours and work environments are just some of the areas that the trade unions negotiate.

The majority of the Danish people are part of a trade union today.