Dear DI-Member,

The corona situation and its consequences develop day by day. An extraordinary meeting has now been held by DI’s Executive Committee to discuss the situation – and above all review how DI can contribute to Danish companies and Danish economy pulling through in the best possible way.

We postpone your DI membership fee and the fee for related member associations
DI’s approach to this situation is that everybody in every walk of life has a responsibility to break the infection chain and secure a strong business life and a healthy economy after this crisis.

Consequently, we have now decided to contribute to our members’ liquidity by postponing all payments of membership fees, including related member associations, covering the first quarter of 2020 – for the time being by two months.

Update on payment compensation
I am also pleased to report that DI is currently clarified on several key questions and disputes in relation to the three-partite agreement presented by the government and the two sides of industry on Sunday 15 March. Thus, the settlement is employable even though your company has already laid off staff due to COVID-19, and there will be no restrictions in the event of subsequent dismissals in case the situation gets worse. DI still fights hard to ensure that the settlement is as relevant and attractive as possible for our companies - also by clarifying the important question of combining the settlement with an agreed pay cut. A complete and updated guidance of the settlement is here (Please note, this link refers to a Danish site only.): https://www.danskindustri.dk/covid19/.

Proposal concerning an economic stimulus programme
Yesterday at noon, the government proposed a historically big economic stimulus programme with measures amounting to DKK 40 bn to relieve the pressure on seriously affected companies - partly by covering some of their lost business, so they can get past the crisis in the best possible way, and partly by rendering wage compensation to the many business owners.

My colleagues and I have been in a close dialogue with the government and parties in Parliament concerning our steps – based very much on your input, as member companies, as to what is required. Consequently, we have acknowledged the measures by the government (see press release here, but please note, this link refers to a Danish site only.): https://www.danskindustri.dk/om-di/kontakt-os/presse/arkiv/pressemeddelelser/2020/3/sandahl-milliardpakke-vil-holde-handen-under-tusindvis-af-nodstedte-virksomheder/).

At the same time, we have made it clear that – even with this big step – further measures will be needed to limit the comprehensive and negative consequences for Danish companies and jobs. We obviously proceed with our close and continuous dialogue with government and Parliament.

Let me repeat my invitation to all our members to use DI’s services - contact us with any input or if you need counselling. DI’s Juravagt is manned from 8.00 to 18.00, Monday through Friday, and during weekends. Please subscribe to DI’s newsletter. Presently, DI Business keeps you updated on relevant information and news about the handling of the corona crisis and its consequences on an ongoing basis.

Kind regards,

Lars Sandahl Sørensen
Director General, CEO