LO consisted of 18 unions, with a total of one million members, most of whom worked in the private sector, while FTF consisted of 70 professional organisations, with a total of just under 500,000 members, most of whom worked in the public sector.

[1][4] The new organisation decided to maintain the "Danish model", whereby pay and working conditions are negotiated without state involvement.

The federation also affiliated to Joint Committee of the Nordic Social Democratic Labour Movement, but described itself as independent of any political party.

[2] The unions affiliated to FH have a high degree of independence, leaving the headquarters relatively small and with limited funds.

FH was established with 25% fewer staff than its combined predecessors, and aimed to save 30% of administration costs.