"It's in the meetings that it all makes sense"

Hermes House, Rønne and Risskov. Finansforbundet in Nordea's board has been around the country to meet the members.

"We want to get even closer to the members. It is absolutely essential for us that we can feel what they dream of Finansforbundet in Nordea being for them, so that we can work for the right thing," says Louise Have Lund, who has been vice president since March.

At some meetings, close to a hundred members have participated, at others it has been a good handful.

"We have met members at morning and lunch meetings, among other things. It is in the meetings that it all makes sense. When we sit down, listen and talk about everyday life, working life and what is important locally, we get closer to what we were put into the world for," says Louise.

The link between wishes and frameworks

President Kasper Skovgaard Pedersen emphasizes that the dialogue is absolutely central:

"This applies when we meet the members and when we meet Nordea's management. Often, we and the local union representatives are the link between the members' wishes and the management's set framework. We have different roles. This makes it extra important that we understand each other – and that we are in sync with the members. In this way, we can also better represent both current and future members," says Kasper.

At some meetings, the board has talked about the framework and terms of the collective agreement, which are some of the best in the labour market. At other meetings, the members have wanted to hear about, for example, competence development, hybrid work and, not least, the 2030 strategy. And finally, some meetings have been called as a result of organizational changes or announced job losses.
"We are ready for anything – and both large and small forums," says Kasper.

Dialogue gives energy

When he became president in 2023, 'involvement, influence and transparency' became the board's new mantra. This is still the case. Now, at the same time, presence has become even more paramount.
"It's not a revolution, but an evolution where we focus even more on how the members feel. We have had 13 member meetings in the spring and have already planned several new meetings in the autumn," says Louise.

She continues:

"We have received a lot of good feedback regarding the meetings. That the members feel heard, that the dialogue gives energy. Therefore, I would also like to thank the union representatives who have invited and gathered colleagues. It takes commitment – and it makes a difference."

The presidency will also visit the teams in the country together – and also do more to meet with the union representatives. Contact Finansforbundet in Nordea's board if you and your branch/team want a visit.