Bylaws

Members, management structure with the Executive Committee and the Representative Committee

Part 1: Objects and registered office

1(1) The sole purpose of Akademikernes A-kasse is to provide its members with financial assistance in the event of unemployment and to administer other schemes assigned to unemployment insurance funds by law, including helping unemployed persons find employment.

(2) Akademikernes A-kasse has its registered office in Copenhagen.

Part 2: Statutory recognition

2(1) Akademikernes A-kasse is recognised under the Danish Unemployment Insurance Act (the "Act").

(2) Akademikernes A-kasse is a specialised unemployment insurance fund for employees and self-employed persons, see section 32(1)(b) of the Act.

(3) As a result of the statutory recognition, Akademikernes A-kasse has the rights set out in the Act, including the right to advance payments and reimbursement under section 79 of the Act.

(4) The duties set out in the Act, including the duty to be subject to public supervision, are also attached to the statutory recognition.

(5) The Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment (STAR) is responsible for the supervision (see sections 88-90 of the Act).

3(1) For information on cessation of the recognition, reference is made to Part 7 of the Act.

(2) If the recognition of Akademikernes A-kasse ceases, a decision must be made on the use of the assets of Akademikernes A-kasse. The decision will not be valid until it has been approved by the Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment (STAR).

Part 3: Membership eligibility

4(1) An individual has the right to be admitted as a member provided that section 41 of the Act is fulfilled and the individual is connected with the field covered by Akademikernes A-kasse (see Subarticles (2) and (3)). Admission as a senior member is also possible in accordance with section 44 of the Act.

(2) The field covered by Akademikernes A-kasse includes individuals who are eligible for admission to the trade unions or associations listed in the 14 electoral groups in Appendix 1 hereto. If the individual union or association is affiliated with a confederation, this is stated in Appendix 1. The field further includes self-employed persons connected with the field for employees (see Subarticle (3)).

(3) For the purpose of Subarticles (1) and (2), connection means that the individual is employed within the field covered by Akademikernes A-kasse or has a degree or diploma or is studying for one within the field covered by Akademikernes A-kasse.

(4) Any change to the field requiring amendment of Article 2(2) of the Bylaws is subject to approval by the supreme authority of Akademikernes A-kasse. Any other changes to the field mentioned in Subarticle (2) are subject to a resolution passed by the Executive Committee. No change is valid unless approved by the Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment (STAR).

(5) Members may be admitted as full-time or part-time insured.

5(1) Admission is not valid until Akademikernes A-kasse is satisfied that the statutory conditions for admission are met.

(2) When joining Akademikernes A-kasse, the member must be given notice of the Bylaws of Akademikernes A-kasse either by being given a copy or by being informed that the Bylaws are available on the website of Akademikernes A-kasse.

6(1) Cancellation of a membership of Akademikernes A-kasse requires at least one month’s written notice to Akademikernes A-kasse expiring at the end of a month (but see Subarticles (2)-(5)). The member must pay membership fees until the date of resignation.

(2) The time limits in Subarticle (1) do not apply when a member goes on health-related early retirement pension or senior pension (see the Danish Social Pensions Act (lov om social pension)). Cancellation of the membership will become effective on the date that Akademikernes A-kasse receives the written notice at the earliest.

(3) The time limits in Subarticle (1) do not apply when a member who pays early retirement contributions is referred to a flex job (see the Danish Act on early retirement benefits for flex job employees (lov om fleksydelse)). However, cancellation of the membership will become effective on the date when Akademikernes A-kasse receives the written notice at the earliest, or from the first day of the month following the referral of a member who has cancelled their membership in writing before then.

(4) On the transfer to another unemployment insurance fund, the time limits in Subarticle (1) do not apply, but the member must pay membership fees to the previous unemployment insurance fund until the date of transfer. 
 
(5) The time limit in Subarticle (1) does not apply when a member who has been admitted to an unemployment insurance fund by virtue of section 53(25), first and second sentences, of the Act cancels their membership of the unemployment insurance fund in the month in which the work-sharing period expires. The membership cancellation becomes effective from the end of the month in which the work-sharing scheme expires.

Part 4: Rights of members

Entitlement to unemployment benefits etc.

7. Akademikernes A-kasse will pay unemployment benefits, etc., in accordance with the applicable rules.

8(1) Unemployment benefits etc. will be paid into the member’s NemKonto or a specified account with a bank (see the Executive Order on the NemKonto Scheme (bekendtgørelse om NemKontoordningen)).

(2) The unemployment insurance fund must either send a specification or make it available digitally, using for example ”Min side” (my page) on the website of the unemployment insurance fund. The specification must provide details on the gross benefits paid, retained tax deducted from income at source and any contributions to the Labour Market Supplementary Pension Scheme, any type and amount of allowance, and the net amount paid out.

Other rights

9(1) All members have the right to be elected to the management or as auditors of Akademikernes A-kasse (but see Article 19(2)).

(2) All members are entitled to attend Akademikernes A-kasse’s meetings of members and are eligible to vote in the election to the Representative Committee and in ballots, but see Article 14(2).

(3) In order for members to be able to exercise their rights under Subarticle 2, it is the duty of Akademikernes A-kasse to give notice to all members.

(4) All members are entitled to read the financial statements of Akademikernes A-kasse.

Part 5: Obligations of members

Obligation to pay membership fees

10(1) The member is obliged to pay membership fees, contributions to the Labour Market Supplementary Pension Scheme and, where relevant, early retirement contributions in accordance with the statutory rules and the instructions of Akademikernes A-kasse.

(2) The member is obliged to pay membership fees, contributions to the Labour Market Supplementary Pension Scheme and, where relevant, early retirement contributions quarterly in advance.

Other obligations

11(1) Members are obliged to keep up to date, including by contacting Akademikernes A-kasse, with current rules on unemployment benefit eligibility, etc. under the Act and under the Active Employment Efforts Act (lov om en aktiv beskæftigelsesindsats) and rules and regulations associated with such Acts.

(2) Members are obliged to keep good order and discipline in the premises of Akademikernes A-kasse and at meetings convened by Akademikernes A-kasse. They are further obliged to comply with the regulations laid down by the management and to follow the orders and instructions given by Akademikernes A-kasse. Any failure to observe such regulations, orders or instructions may result in the application of Article 14 of these Bylaws.

12. Members are obliged to notify Akademikernes A-kasse of any change of address.

Part 6: General provisions

13. Unemployment benefits, etc., will be paid centrally by the head office of Akademikernes A-kasse. The office also collects information for statistical purposes according to guidelines laid down by the Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment (STAR).

14(1) Any offence against Akademikernes A-kasse may result in loss of membership or unemployment benefits eligibility according to applicable rules.

(2) Any violation of the regulations, orders or instructions referred to in Article 11(2) may result in expulsion from a meeting or referral of the matter to special handling as directed by the management.

Part 7: Management and administration of Akademikernes A-kasse

Management and administration structure

15(1) Akademikernes A-kasse is an unemployment insurance fund with a central management and administration led by a Representative Committee and an Executive Committee elected by the Representative Committee.

(2) The Executive Committee may decide to establish or close administrative offices outside the registered office address of Akademikernes A-kasse.

(3) When an administrative office is established, closed or relocated, notice must be sent to the Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment (STAR) and the local job centre.

(4) The Executive Committee may decide that Akademikernes A-kasse is to participate as another service provider in the employment efforts.

(5) Only the full unemployment insurance fund can be responsible for tasks as another service provider under the rules on responsibility for and management of active employment efforts.

Supreme authority

16(1) The supreme authority of Akademikernes A-kasses is the Representative Committee, which consists of the chairperson and a number of representatives elected by the members as set out in the rules in Subarticles 2-10. The chairperson of Akademikernes A-kasse (see Article 18) is the chairperson of the Representative Committee.

(2) In elections to the Representative Committee, the members of Akademikernes A-kasse are grouped into electoral groups (see Appendix 1 hereto).

(3) Each of the electoral groups mentioned in Subarticle 2 may elect one representative and one alternate for every commenced 5,000 members of the electoral group. All electoral groups are, however, guaranteed at least two representatives and two alternates.

(4) Elections to the Representative Committee will be held at least every three years at the initiative of Akademikernes A-kasse. Elections will be held in all electoral groups in 2013. Elections will then be held in electoral groups with even numbers in 2015, and in electoral groups with odd numbers, elections will be held in 2016, but see Article 20.

(5) Together with the chairperson of Akademikernes A-kasse, the Executive Committee member from the individual electoral group may appoint an election committee from among all members of the electoral group. It is the decision of the election committee whether elections in the individual electoral group are to be held in person or in a written election.

(6) Akademikernes A-kasse will arrange for all elections to be held and will ensure that all members within the relevant electoral group are given the opportunity to propose candidates and to vote in the election (but see Article 19(2)). Only members of Akademikernes A-kasse may be nominated and vote.

1. Akademikernes A-kasse will invite the members of an electoral group to submit proposals for candidates for election to the Representative Committee (see Subarticle (3)). The notice will allow members at least three weeks to submit proposals for candidates.
2. If no proposals are received from the members for candidates for all representative and alternate seats within the time set in para. a, the election committee of the electoral group may propose candidates for the remaining seats.
3. If, before the expiry of the time allowed (see para. a) no proposals are received from the election committee for the candidates for all representative and alternate seats, the Executive Committee of Akademikernes A-kasse may propose candidates for the remaining seats.
4. Any member of Akademikernes A-kasse (but see Article 19(2)) may stand as a candidate for a representative or alternate role to the Representative Committee (see para. a).
5. The election committee (see Subarticle (5)) of each electoral group may propose candidates and alternates in accordance with the rules in para. a.
6. The proposed candidates (see paras a and e) will be elected as representatives and alternates (see Subarticle (3)). The candidates who receive the most votes among the candidates for election by the electoral group (see Article 16(3)) will be members of the Representative Committee. Other candidates will be elected as alternates (see Subarticle (3)). In the event of an equality of votes, lots will be drawn by the chair of the meeting where votes are cast in person and by the auditor of Akademikernes A-kasse in a written election.

(7) In the event that candidates are not nominated for all representative and alternate seats in an electoral group, the candidates of the members, then the candidates of the election committee and finally the candidates of the Executive Committee will be elected, and no election will be called in the electoral group. The order of the alternates will by determined by lots drawn by the state-authorised accountant of Akademikernes A-kasse.

(8) Where votes are to be cast in person, Akademikernes A-kasse will announce the date, time and place of the election in the notice convening the election meeting (see Subarticle 6(a)), giving four weeks’ notice, and stating that each member may vote by proxy on behalf of no more than 25 other members. The notice must further state that the names of the proposed candidates can be found on the website of Akademikernes A-kasse, and that the names of the elected members and alternates will be published on the website immediately after the election.

(9) When holding written elections, Akademikernes A-kasse will send ballot papers with the names of the proposed candidates to each member of the electoral group after expiry of the time limit set out in Subarticle 6(a). In case of online voting on the website of Akademikernes A-kasse, the names of the proposed candidates will appear there. At the same time, a period of at least two weeks must be allowed for voting by post or online via the website, and notice must be given that the names of the elected members and alternates will be published on the website of Akademikernes A-kasse immediately after the election.

(10) The elected candidates (see Subarticles (3), (8) and (9)) will take office as representatives and alternates, respectively, according to the number of votes. The number of votes determines the order in which representatives and alternates are elected.

Management

17(1) Akademikernes A-kasse will be run and managed by an Executive Committee consisting of the chairperson and 14 other members.

(2) The Representative Committee will elect one member and one alternate for each of the 14 electoral groups. The election will be held at the first meeting of the Representative Committee following the elections (see Article 16(4)).

(3) The Representative Committee may, on the recommendation of the Executive Committee, elect one member and one alternate to the Executive Committee even if an election has not been held in the relevant electoral group beforehand. It is a condition that the Executive Committee member and the alternate from the electoral group have resigned from the Executive Committee.

(4) Members of the Executive Committee must be members of Akademikernes A-kasse. The Representative Committee will determine the remuneration and fees of the Executive Committee of Akademikernes A-kasse.

(5) The Executive Committee must perform the duties set out in these Bylaws and otherwise run and manage Akademikernes A-kasse being accountable to the Representative Committee in compliance with current legislation and the directions of the Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment (STAR).

(6) The Executive Committee must lay down its own rules of procedure and meet at least four times a year.

(7) Resolutions of the Executive Committee are to be passed by a simple majority of votes, but see Subarticle (8).

(8) If requested by at least two members of the Executive Committee, voting must take place according to the principle described in Article 22(4). The chairperson will have no right to vote in such votes.

(9) Minutes must be taken of all meetings of the Executive Committee. The members of the Representative Committee will be given electronic access to the minutes.
 
17a. The Executive Committee is entitled to set a separate administration fee for specific membership groups (see Appendix 2).

Chairperson and vice-chairpersons of Akademikernes A-kasse

18(1) The Representative Committee must elect the chairperson of Akademikernes A-kasse from among its members. The chairperson is elected for a term of three years. The chairperson is eligible for re-election for one additional term, although it will extend the term. The chairperson must be a member of Akademikernes A-kasse.

(2) If the chairperson resigns during a term of office, a new chairperson must be elected for the remainder of the term at the next ordinary or extraordinary meeting of the Representative Committee.

(3) The Executive Committee must elect a first and a second vice-chairperson from among its members. The first vice-chairperson will act as a deputy for the chairperson in the chairperson’s absence, and if the chairperson resigns during a term of office, the first vice-chairperson will act as the chairperson of Akademikernes A-kasse
 until a new election has taken place (see Subarticle (2)).

Administration, authorised signatories etc.

19(1) The general secretary who is appointed by the Executive Committee is responsible for administering the activities of Akademikernes A-kasse. The general secretary will appoint the necessary, competent staff to administer Akademikernes A-kasse.

(2) No employee in the administration team of Akademikernes A-kasse may be a member of the Executive Committee or the Representative Committee.

(3) Akademikernes A-kasse will be bound by the joint signatures of the chairperson and the general secretary or by the joint signatures of one or more persons authorised by the Executive Committee.

Meetings of the Representative Committee

20(1) The Representative Committee must hold an ordinary meeting at least once a year.
 
(2) The agenda for ordinary meetings of the Representative Committee must include at least the following items:

• Election of chair of the meeting
• Report
• Approval of the audited annual report. Information on budget and membership fees for the coming financial year.
• Proposals submitted
• Election
• a. chairperson (every three years, first time in 2013)
• b. members of the Executive Committee and alternates (see Article 17(2))
• Appointment of auditor
• Any other business

(3) Written notice of an ordinary meeting of the Representative Committee must be sent to the members of the Representative Committee at least four weeks prior to the meeting.
 
(4) The agenda must be sent to the persons mentioned in Subarticle (3) no later than 10 days prior to the meeting of the Representative Committee. Any representative may, no later than three weeks prior to the meeting, request that specific items be included on the agenda.

Extraordinary meeting of the Representative Committee

21(1) An extraordinary meeting of the Representative Committee must be held if requested by the Representative Committee, the Executive Committee or the chairperson of Akademikernes A-kasse.
 
(2) The rules in Article 20(3) and (4) apply to the notice convening an extraordinary meeting of the Representative Committee. The Executive Committee may, however, decide to convene an extraordinary meeting of the Representative Committee with a shorter notice of not less than one week where strictly necessary for reasons of extreme urgency.
 
(3) The agenda for any extraordinary meetings must at least include the following items:

• Election of chair of the meeting
• Proposals to be considered
• Any other business

Voting in the Representative Committee

22(1) Representatives of at least half of the electoral groups represented must be present at meetings of the Representative Committee to constitute a quorum (see Article 16(2)).
 
(2) Voting must be oral or by show of hands unless at least 15 of the members of the Representative Committee demand a written ballot.
 
(3) Each member of the Representative Committee and the chairperson of Akademikernes A-kasse has one vote (but see Subarticle(4)). In the event of an equality of votes, the chairperson will have the casting vote. Votes must not be cast by proxy.
 
(4) If the representatives of at least two of the represented electoral groups so request, voting must be based on the number of members represented by the representatives in Akademikernes A-kasse according to the statement of enrolled members in connection with the latest quarterly collection of membership fees. Votes must be cast collectively and may not be distributed proportionally among the representatives present of the individual electoral groups. Proposals for resolutions as set out in Subarticle (6), first sentence, may not, however, be subject to voting according to the rules in Subarticle (4), first and second sentences.
 
(5) In a voting procedure according to Subarticle (4), the chairperson has one vote.
 
(6) A resolution to dissolve Akademikernes A-kasse is valid only if at least three-quarters of the votes cast are in favour of the resolution (but see articles 23 and 26(5)). In all other respects, resolutions are to be passed by a simple majority of votes.

Ballot

23(1) A resolution to dissolve or to terminate the statutory recognition of Akademikernes A-kasse (see Article 22(6)) is valid only if it is subsequently approved by at least three-quarters of the votes cast in an ordinary vote (ballot) among all members of Akademikernes A-kasse.
 
(2) The Executive Committee may hold a ballot among all members of Akademikernes A-kasse on issues other than those mentioned in Subarticle (1).
 
(3) A ballot may take place if at least ten members of the Executive Committee so decide.

Part 8: Accounting and auditing

24(1) The accounting of Akademikernes A-kasse must follow the rules laid down by the Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment (STAR). Akademikernes A-kasse must meet all accounting and reporting requirements in force from time to time.

(2) The accounting must provide a clear and transparent account of the activities of Akademikernes A-kasse so as to form the basis of the preparation of the annual report of Akademikernes A-kasse.

(3) After the end of each financial year, Akademikernes A-kasse will prepare an annual report in accordance with the rules and guidelines laid down by the Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment (STAR). The annual report must be approved and signed by the Executive Committee. It must also be signed by the auditors appointed by the supreme authority of Akademikernes A-kasse.

(4) In order for Akademikernes A-kasse to obtain a reimbursement from the Government, the audited and signed annual report must be submitted to the Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment (STAR) within the statutory time limit.

25(1) The income and assets of Akademikernes A-kasse may only be used to fulfil the objects of Akademikernes A-kasse as set out in Article 1 and may not accrue to others as loans, collateral or gifts.

(2) The funds of Akademikernes A-kasse must be kept separate from the funds of other trade unions or associations and must be invested and managed in a financially sustainable manner.

(3) A list of the persons authorised to sign for Akademikernes A-kasse must be sent to the Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment (STAR).

(4) The Executive Committee will verify the correctness and authenticity of the transactions forming the basis for applications for government funds in accordance with rules laid down by the Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment (STAR) and the Danish Ministry of Education.

Part 9: Effective date of these Bylaws

26(1) These Bylaws, as revised at the meeting of the Representative Committee on 16 November 2023, will become effective as at that date.

(2) At the same time, the Bylaws and their appendices approved on 29 August 2023 will be repealed. (3) By notice in trade journals or otherwise, Akademikernes A-kasse will ensure that each member will be able to read the Bylaws (see Article 5(2)).

(4) The Bylaws must be in accordance with the standard bylaws of recognised unemployment insurance funds approved by the Danish Minister for Employment. The Bylaws are subject to approval by the Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment (STAR).

(5) Amendments to the standard bylaws will have instant effect on the Bylaws of Akademikernes A-kasse. The Executive Committee of Akademikernes A-kasse has the authority and duty to amend these Bylaws as soon as possible where necessary to bring them into line with the standard bylaws. The amendments are subject to approval by the Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment (STAR) (see Subarticle (4)).

Appendix 1

Electoral groups 2 – 12 are members of the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (Akademikerne).

Electoral group 01: Abolished

Electoral group 02: Membership area of the Union of Architects and Designers (Forbundet Arkitekter og Designere)

People who are studying to become or have a degree as architects, planners and designers. In addition, graduates with other degrees who are employed in similar positions as architects, planners and designers.

Electoral group 03: Membership area of the Danish Veterinary Association (Den Danske Dyrlægeforening)

People who are studying for or have a degree in veterinary medicine.

Electoral group 04: Membership area of Pharmadanmark

People who are studying for or have a degree focusing on the pharmaceutical field. Moreover, graduates with other degrees who are employed in the pharmaceutical field (the pharma-medico field).

Electoral group 05: Membership area of the Danish Association of Lawyers and Economists (Djøf)

People who are studying for or have a degree in law, business administration, humanities or social sciences. Moreover, graduates with other degrees who are employed in the fields of law, business administration, humanities or social sciences.

Electoral group 06: Membership area of Landinspektørforeningen (the Danish association of chartered surveyors)

People who are studying for or have a degree in land surveying. Moreover, graduates with other degrees who are employed in similar positions as land surveyors.

Electoral group 07: Membership area of the Danish Medical Association (Lægeforeningen)

People who are studying for or have a degree in medicine.

Electoral group 08: Membership areas of Fagforeningen Musiker og Musikunderviser (union of musicians and music teachers) / Dansk Organist og Kantorsamfund  (the Danish organist and cantor society)  

People who are studying for or have a degree from a music academy. Teachers and principals at schools of church music. Teachers and heads of local schools of music. Moreover, graduates with other degrees who are employed as music teachers or performing musicians.

Electoral group 09: Membership area of Præsteforeningen (the Danish association of clergymen)

People who are studying for or have a degree in theology.
Any current or former minister of religion in the Danish National Church.
Any person who has been ordained to serve in independent organisations of the national church and foreign missions’ societies of the national church and who is not covered by para. 1 or 2.

Electoral group 10: Membership area of the Danish Psychological Association (Dansk Psykolog Forening)

People who are studying for or have a degree in applied psychology or have a MA in psychology or educational psychology. Moreover, graduates with degrees who are employed in similar positions as a psychologist.

Electoral group 11: Membership areas of the Danish Dental Association (Dansk Tandlægeforening) / the Danish Association of Employed Dentists (Ansatte Tandlægers Organisation)

People who are studying for or have a degree or a diploma in dentistry.

Electoral group 12:  Dansk Kiropraktor Forening (Danish chiropractors’ association) / HOD / Members of AAK who were not previously covered by the other professional associations listed in Appendix 1 / Members of the former Forbundet Kultur og Information (association for culture and information) / Members of the former JA / Members of the former Foreningen af Skibsinspektører (association of ship inspectors) under the Danish Maritime Authority

People who are studying for or have a degree or diploma in chiropractic.

Officers of the line, Cadets at the military academy of the fighting services, Officers of the line of defence who have been granted leave without pay, and Officers of the line of defence who have retired but still are employed under the range of portfolio of the Ministry of Defence.

Electoral group 13: Membership area of the Danish Society of Engineers (Ingeniørforeningen)

People who are studying for or have a degree or diploma in engineering, computer science, computer technology and food technology.

Moreover, people who are studying natural or technical sciences or have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the natural or technical sciences.

Finally, graduates with other degrees who are employed in the fields of engineering, IT, food science, natural science or technical science.

Electoral group 14: Membership areas of the Danish Engineer’s Association (Maskinmestrenes Forening) / Dansk Formands Forening (Danish association of foremen)

People who are studying to become or have a degree or diploma as an operation and maintenance engineer, ship’s officer or offshore technical manager.

People who are not covered by any of the other electoral groups who are required by the employer to instruct and supervise the tasks of other employees and their performance on behalf of the employer.

Appendix 2

Current administration fees and total membership fees are available on the website of Akademikerne A-kasse.

See rates and membership fees