"Labour relations in the Federal Republic of Germany are characterised by a dual system, with works councils acting as bodies representing the interests of employees at the company level and trade unions taking over supra-company representation of interests, collective bargaining with companies and employers' associations, and participating in a social or “conflict” partnership (Müller-Jentsch 2017: 23). Works councils are elected by all employees, “designed for consensus and cooperation, and committed to company harmony” (Müller-Jentsch 2014: 517). Their legal foundation, the Works Constitution, provides for a tiered system of rights, including the right to co-determination, participation, and information. For example, works councils have the right to co-determination in matters related to personnel and workplace and workflow design. However, they only have the right to information when it comes to economic matters (Müller-Jentsch 2014: 519f.). In the public sector, personnel councils have similar rights, though grounded in a different legal foundation..."

Support: Digital