Why is the works council important?

A strong works council is important because it ... represents your interests vis-à-vis your employer and advocates for fair working conditions. He is your mouthpiece and thus your point of contact in the company if you need support. ... can have a say in the company . The works council has co-determination rights in various areas, such as hiring, terminations or working hours. ... advocates for employee protection . The works council supports the development of protective measures and ensures that they are observed. ... mediates in conflicts between you and your employer. ... contributes to an appreciative working atmosphere . The works council can do this – and even more – because it has the law and the union behind it.

What are the tasks of a works council?

All tasks of works councils have one goal: to enforce fair and appreciative working conditions for colleagues. Works councils ... pay attention to compliance with collective agreements and labour law. ... negotiate works agreements. ... make suggestions for improving working conditions and employee protection provisions . ... have a say in the design of workplaces . ... use their right to have a say in personnel and economic matters . For example, they have the right to comment on dismissals and dismissals and to challenge them in court. ... are informed about all matters affecting employees.

Works council

Strong representation in the workplace

The works council advocates for the rights of employees in a company. It consists of committed colleagues who are elected in the works council election .

Works councils have one goal: a better quality of life for employees. They fight for secure jobs, fair wages and social justice.

The vida trade union works closely with the works councils, supports them in their work on the works council and offers a wide range of further training opportunities.

Find out more here

Establish a works council

Works council election

Works council work

Further education

There is no works council in your company yet?

Set up a works council now

Contact

Do you have questions about works council work? Get in touch with us!

Frequently Asked Questions

The works council is made up of colleagues who are elected in a works council election. He represents your interests as an employee.

A strong works council is important because it

... represents your interests vis-à-vis your employer and advocates for fair working conditions. He is your mouthpiece and thus your point of contact in the company if you need support.
... can have a say in the company. The works council has co-determination rights in various areas, such as hiring, terminations or working hours.
... advocates for employee protection . The works council supports the development of protective measures and ensures that they are observed.
... mediates in conflicts between you and your employer.
... contributes to an appreciative working atmosphere .

The works council can do this – and even more – because it has the law and the union behind it.

All tasks of works councils have one goal: to enforce fair and appreciative working conditions for colleagues.

Works councils

... pay attention to compliance with collective agreements and labour law.
... negotiate works agreements.
... make suggestions for improving working conditions and employee protection provisions.
... have a say in the design of workplaces .
... use their right to have a say in personnel and economic matters. For example, they have the right to comment on dismissals and dismissals and to challenge them in court.
... are informed about all matters affecting employees.

The management of a works council is the responsibility of a chairperson, who is elected by the members of the works council. This person represents the works council externally, chairs the meetings and coordinates the work of the body. The works council chairperson works closely with the other members of the works council to represent the interests of employees in the best possible way and to ensure cooperation with the employer.

A voice is needed for co-determination, which must be raised in order to make oneself heard. A voice gives power and leads to change.

Jutta Allmendinger, Soziologin