Works council: tasks and rights

In short: The works council is the elected representation of employees’ interests in a company and has statutory co-determination and information rights. It can be established from a certain company size.

In more detail: The Works Constitution Act regulates the rights, duties and election procedures of the works council.

In detail

• Formation: A works council can be elected from five eligible employees.
• Co-determination rights: The works council has a say in working hours, holiday planning or company regulations.
• Information rights: The employer must inform the works council about important decisions.
• Protection from dismissal: Works council members enjoy special protection against dismissal.
• Works agreements: Can create binding rules for the entire company.
• Limits: The works council cannot exercise a veto in every matter; some decisions remain solely with the employer.
• Making contact: Employees can confidentially approach the works council with problems (mobbing-am-arbeitsplatz-erkennen-und-handeln).