Inhouse – Basics of Works Constitution Act – Part 1

Prerequisites for effective action by the works council

• Representation of the works council by the chairman
• Effective decision-making at the works council meeting (face-to-face and digital)
• Requirements for the summons and the agenda
• When does a substitute member have to be summoned?
• The proper minutes of the meeting
• Costs and equipment of the works council: works council office, office staff etc.
• Right to training

Time off for work council´s activities and protection against dismissal

• Volunteer principle
• Requirements for works council activity during working hours
• Works council activity outside working hours
• Leave of absence for works council work and partial leave of absence
• Protection against dismissal

Other organs of the works constitution

• The most important information about the works committee and other committees
• Responsibilities of the central works council and group works council
• Economic Committee
• Tasks of the youth and trainee council and the representative for the severely disabled

Communication with employers and employees

• Legal requirements for the works meeting and its procedure
• The monthly consultation with the employer
• Company inspections and employee surveys
• Office hours of the works council

Information rights and confidentiality obligations of the works council

• The works council's general right to information
• Special information requirements
• Trade and trade secrets

The participation rights of the works council at a glance

• Co-determination in social matters according to § 87 BetrVG: e.g. working hours, remuneration, technical monitoring equipment
• Participation in individual personnel measures: recruitment, transfer, regrouping and regrouping

• Consultation in the event of dismissals and options for the works council to react