(dpa) - Some 100,000 Danish nurses and other health care workers went on strike Wednesday after state-mediated wage talks failed.
The strike was called by the Health Confederation that organizes nurses, midwives and laboratory personnel. Some 70,000 of its members were impacted by the labour action Wednesday.
In addition, some 23,000 members of the union Trade and Labour (FOA) that organizes nursing home and kindergarten employees were also on strike.
Exceptions have been made for emergency services as well as crucial operations and treatments.
The unions were demanding a 15-per-cent pay rise for the coming three-year period while the employers offered 12.8 per cent.
"We want the same pay as private sector employees with the same education have," Connie Kruckow, leader of the Health Confederation, said earlier.
Polls commissioned by the Berlingske Tidende and Politiken newspapers suggested strong public support for the wage demands.