the form, structuring and administration of social services whose scope is limited to the establishment, company or group; the assignment of and notice to vacate company-owned rental housing and the fixing of the conditions for the use of such housing; questions relating to remuneration arrangements in the establishment, including in particular the establishment of principles of remuneration and the introduction and application of new remuneration methods or modification of existing methods; the fixing of piecework and bonus rates and comparable performance-related remuneration; and principles for suggestion schemes in the establishment.

The works council also has a considerable say in job descriptions, work processes, the working environment, personnel planning and vocational training. Where a company proposes to introduce changes (cut back operations, close down or move to a different location, for example), the works council negotiates a social compensation plan which cushions the economic repercussions on the employees affected.