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For nearly 50 years, Arssarnerit in Nuuk has been a member of Greenland Business. For department manager Søren Pedersen, it is not only about collective agreements and legal matters – it is also about having a strong voice in the debate on business conditions.
By Rasmus Barud Thomsen
When Arssarnerit celebrates its 50th anniversary this May, it will also mark nearly as many years of membership with Greenland Business.
For department manager Søren Pedersen, who himself has been with the company for 35 years, the membership is as natural as having hot coffee ready in the site cabin.
“We have always been members, and it is a completely natural part of running our business. GE negotiates collective agreements on our behalf and ensures there are clear conditions for our employees,” he says about the company, which as of April 1 this year was acquired by the plumbing and electrical company VVS & El in Ilulissat, while still retaining its original name in Nuuk.
Today, Arssarnerit employs around 100 people, approximately 65 of whom work in the department headed by Søren Pedersen.
The company primarily relies on Greenland Business for matters relating to labor law and collective agreements.
“We are not experts in legal matters or collective agreements, so we use GE whenever questions arise. In much the same way an employee can turn to their union, we use GE when we need advice and guidance,” says Søren Pedersen.
That support is important in an industry where rules and agreements play a major role in day-to-day operations.
Greenland Business also contributes to skills development, Søren Pedersen explains. In cooperation with the organization, Arssarnerit employees participate in courses on AP95 – the common conditions for work and deliveries within Greenland’s construction and civil engineering sector.
Through these courses, employees gain insight into the legal frameworks that are essential to their work.
“GE is a collaborative partner, and when we need assistance or training within a specific area, they are often able to facilitate it,” he says.
At the same time, he points out that the organization also plays a role in adapting rules and requirements to Greenlandic conditions.
“There are some requirements that do not always fit the reality here. GE can help adapt Danish requirements to Greenlandic conditions.”
Beyond the practical advisory role, Søren Pedersen also sees Greenland Business as an important participant in the public debate.
The organization brings companies together and helps draw attention to the challenges faced by the business community.
“GE has its finger on the pulse, and it is important that the challenges faced by businesses are heard, so there is not only one voice in the debate,” he says.
Among other things, he points to the need for better planning within the construction industry and the fluctuations that can occur from town to town.
According to Søren Pedersen, the challenges faced by businesses are also closely linked to developments in society as a whole.
This is particularly evident in relation to recruitment and employee retention.
“We can see that some families choose to move to Denmark when their children are about to start school. That affects our ability to retain employees,” he says.
Here, he highlights that Greenland Business also contributes to the debate by proposing solutions – including within the school system.
“That is positive, because the challenges faced by businesses are connected to society as a whole – and GE understands that.”
