Works council: Employees' rights in the employers' sights!

Works council: Employees' rights in the employers' sights!

On November 10, 2025, the topic of employee rights will be at the top of the agenda. There is currently a discussion in Germany as to whether it is actually possible for employees to receive the support of a works council without the boss intervening. How Radio Herford reports, the works council attaches great importance to representing the interests of the employees. This means that employees should not hesitate to contact elected representatives if they have any problems or concerns.

It is important that an employer cannot prevent a conversation between an employee and the works council. The right of employees to communicate with members of the works council is anchored in law. These discussions can cover a variety of topics, including compliance with laws and agreements, equality, occupational safety and personal wishes for the employer.

Challenges for works councils

The question of how many employees actually benefit from the right to have a say is becoming particularly explosive. A current study by the Institute for Labor Market and Occupational Research (IAB) shows a significant decline in works councils in Germany. Loud Gottschalk & Wetzel In 1996, around 50% of employees in the private sector were represented by a works council; today it is only 33%. Just 7% of German companies have formal employee representation. What's going on there?

The reasons for this decline are diverse. Structural change, in which traditional industries are becoming less important and the service sector is booming, has changed the landscape of employee representation. There are also bureaucratic hurdles: Setting up a works council can be lengthy and complex, and there is often a lack of sufficient protection mechanisms for employees who initiate this process. One could almost think that the corporate culture is taking a U-turn towards flatter hierarchies and other forms of co-determination.

The importance of works councils

Nevertheless, the benefits of works councils are undisputed. They strengthen participation in key issues such as working hours and salary. At the same time, they act as advocates for better working conditions and compliance with collective agreements. A well-functioning works council helps ensure that the concerns of the workforce are brought to the management level and thus promote a fair working atmosphere. Johannes Schipp, a specialist lawyer for labor law and member of the German Bar Association, supports this view and has many years of experience in representing the rights of employees.

The decline in works councils raises legitimate questions about future employee participation. Alternative models, which often include employee representatives, do not offer the same rights and opportunities. To counteract this, a reform of the Works Constitution Act is being discussed in order to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and improve protection for employees. Hand on heart – there is an urgent need for action here!