What knowledge do I need as a works councillor?

You don't have to be able to do everything, because the works council benefits from the different strengths of all its members. Together you are a good works council team if you ... are committed and assertive ... have a sense of justice ... walks through the company with open eyes and ears ... likes to chat with your colleagues ... has an appreciative culture of communication in the works council team and with your colleagues ... would like to develop and educate you further ... are interested in employment law ... does not shy away from negotiations with the management ... jointly developed solutions

Establish a works council

Q: When does it make sense to set up a works council?

Establishing a works council makes sense in (almost) all companies , whether large or small. The prerequisite is that five employees with voting rights are employed in the company. In order to set up a works council, there does not have to be any acute problems in the company. It is important that someone stands up for you and your colleagues if things don't go smoothly or if improvements for the employees are to be implemented.

WildPixel | Getty Images

Co-determination and co-creation: How to set up a works council

Do you work in an organization that does not yet have a works council? Then it's high time.

Would you like to set up a works council?

We support you!

The most important questions and answers at a glance

Establishing a works council makes sense in (almost) all companies, whether large or small. The prerequisite is that five employees with voting rights are employed in the company.

In order to set up a works council, there does not have to be any acute problems in the company. It is important that someone stands up for you and your colleagues if things don't go smoothly or if improvements for the employees are to be implemented.

You don't have to be able to do everything, because the works council benefits from the different strengths of all its members. Together you are a good works council team if you

... are committed and assertive
... have a sense of justice
... walks through the company with open eyes and ears
... likes to chat with your colleagues
... has an appreciative culture of communication in the works council team and with your colleagues
... would like to develop and educate you further
... are interested in employment law
... does not shy away from negotiations with the management
... jointly developed solutions

IMPORTANT: We as the trade union vida accompany you in your works council work. If you ever get stuck, we are behind you and help. We also offer you a variety of further training opportunities .

The more time is invested in the work of the works council, the more topics can be advanced. Nevertheless, the amount of time and effort required by works councils can vary greatly.

Some factors that influence the effort are, for example, the size of the company, the division of tasks in the works council, participation in further training and your individual circumstances.

Basically, it is your decision how much time you want to or can invest in the work of the works council. It is best to discuss the topic together with the works council team and think about how volunteering is best handled for you.

A clear no. An employer cannot prohibit or hinder the establishment of a works council. Rather, he/she is obliged to support the formation of the works council.

Take a look here!

To the works council election