Sharing of knowledge – among union representatives and the Danish Nurses Organization Presenting: Lisbeth Reuss-Schmidt RN, dof., MHSc(Nurs) Regionalhospital Randers, Denmark

What is happening around us? Development from the industrial community to the post modern community Knowledge is essential Tasks are getting increasingly complex The Danish Nurses Organisation is in an area of tension between Mentality of the wage-earner-mentality Mentality of a profession

Unions are under pressure Why bother being member of a union? Is there still a need for solidarity? Is it possible to connect the increasing individuality with solidarity?

The Danish model Negotiation on the national level between unions and employers in regions and municipalities, mainly on issues concerning: Salary Work hours Development of nursing as a profession

The Danish model Negotiations at the local workplace: MED (forum for discussion, influence and decision making in all matters concerning the workforce)  Union representatives, working environment representative and members of management usually make up these forums.  The management still have the power to make the final decision, but is required to listen to arguments from the employees. Focus on co-operation - not confrontation

The project Our research is based on a questionnaire followed by focus-group-interview By Dorthe Ehlers and Lisbeth Reuss-Schmidt Do the union representative feel the need and have the ability to act within a political mind set?

Results A need for strengthening the ability to analyze, reflect and communicate is essential: Own and others capabilities Seek out new knowledge Freedom to think out of the box Ability to navigate in power-relations

The learning strategy Formal training Individual internalisation Create an opportunity to share thoughts and opinions with other union representatives or elected union politicians before sharing with management

What is needed? Debate political issues with elected union politicians Face-to-face Online Realize that politics also occurs in the every day life at the work place The purpose is to create a process of personal formation

From the union perspective: Communication with the elected union politicians Continuous attention on the needs expressed by the union representatives

Contact information: Thank you for listening!