Responsibilities And Composition Of The Works Council : Germany

The works council represents the interests of the employees vis-a-vis the employer. It examines suggestions offered by members of the work force and passes them on to the employer. The works council must, among other things, ensure that the laws and regulations, accident prevention rules, collective wage agreements and company arrangements applying to employees are observed.

The works council must call a shop-floor meeting once per calendar quarter and report on its activities. Employees attending the meeting may comment on the council’s decisions and make proposals of their own.

The size and composition of the works council is governed by the number and type of employees working in the firm. Codetermination rights cover such important areas as matters relating to the proper running of the establishment; working hours (including the introduction of short time or overtime); holidays; introduction and use of technical devices designed to monitor the behavior or performance of the employees; provisions for the prevention of employment accidents and occupational diseases and for the protection of health on the basis of legislation or safety regulations;