The union is active in more than 25,000 different workplaces and represents a wide range of groups and industries.

The majority of its members are in the retail sector, but it also organizes groups such as florists, hairdressers, storage and warehouse personnel, opticians, watchmakers, office staff and students in vocational training.

Handels negotiates agreements for fair pay and better working conditions.

Pay is a major trade union issue, and Handels' ambition is to ensure the introduction of salary structures that are clearly linked to the conditions and work at each workplace.

The union's aim is fair pay, and a key objective is the eradication of differences between men’s and women’s salaries.