The starting pay for McDonald’s workers in Denmark is indeed around $22 per hour, which reflects the country’s strong labor rights and collective bargaining practices. Workers also benefit from a comprehensive set of additional perks, including:

1. Six Weeks of Paid Vacation: Employees enjoy substantial time off to prioritize their personal and family lives. This is a standard across many industries in Denmark due to labor agreements and national standards.
2. Life Insurance: This ensures that employees and their families are financially protected in case of unforeseen events.
3. Maternity Leave: Denmark provides robust maternity and paternity leave policies, ensuring workers can balance work and family life without financial strain.
4. Pension Plans: Contributions to pensions are often built into employment agreements, ensuring long-term financial security for workers.

Why Are Benefits So Generous in Denmark?

These benefits are a result of Denmark’s strong union culture and collective bargaining system, rather than a high minimum wage mandated by law. In Denmark, most industries negotiate pay and benefits through agreements between employers and unions. This approach leads to fair compensation, worker protections, and a high standard of living for employees.

Contrast With Other Countries

In contrast, McDonald’s workers in countries like the United States often earn much lower hourly wages (typically starting near the federal minimum wage, which is $7.25 as of now) and may lack access to benefits such as paid vacation or robust retirement plans. This stark difference highlights the role of labor unions and governmental policies in shaping workers’ rights and compensation globally.