No other part of the Works Constitution Act offers the works council such extensive opportunities for co-determination as social matters. Whether working time regulations, holiday planning or the introduction of technical systems – the works council can play an active role in shaping these matters and proactively enforce company agreements. This training provides practical education on how works councils can strategically and effectively exercise their co-determination rights in social matters. A special focus is placed on participation-orientated works council work and effective negotiation.
Fundamentals of co-determination in social matters
The Works Constitution Act (Sec. 87 WCA) regulates the participation rights of the works council in social matters. These include in particular
- Working time regulations: Organisation of shift schedules, overtime regulations and working time models
- Company policies and conduct of the employees: definition of rules of operation and behavioural guidelines
- Introduction and use of technical equipment: Participation in the introduction of new digital systems and work equipment
- Remuneration systems: Designing and changing performance-related remuneration systems
Using practical examples and case studies, participants learn how to successfully assert their co-determination rights.
Works agreements as an instrument of co-determination
Company agreements are the central means for the co-determination rights of employee representatives. The training deals with the following aspects:
- Successful negotiation of works agreements (Sec.Sec. 77 and 88 WCA)
- Structure and content of works agreements
- Termination and after-effect of works agreements
- Relationship between collective agreements and works agreements
- Difference between enforceable and voluntary works agreements
The aim is to provide works council members with in-depth knowledge of the legal framework and the scope for negotiating works agreements.
Negotiation strategies and enforcement of co-determination
Successful works council work requires skilful negotiation skills and targeted enforcement strategies. This training teaches:
- Fundamentals of successful negotiation: strategies and techniques
- Strategies for enforcing co-determination rights
- Communication and cooperation with the workforce
Participants learn how to represent their interests confidently and utilise co-determination rights effectively.
Participation-oriented works council work
Sustainable, participation-orientated works council work relies on the active involvement of the workforce. Only a works council that is firmly anchored in the workforce can achieve the best possible results in its negotiations with the management. This is why the training also deals with issues relating to participation procedures and public relations work by the works council.
In this training we’ll discuss:
- Various participation levels and formats discussed
- Methods for organising transparent decision-making processes in the works council presented
- And ideas are discussed in order to develop viable solutions with the workforce
Through practical training and advice, we support works councils in successfully exercising their co-determination rights and building a strong representation of interests.
Our training focusses on the following topics:
- Co-determination in accordance with Sec. 87 WCA
- Structure and organisation of works agreements
- Participation-oriented works council work
- Organisation and structuring of works council work
- Negotiation skills and techniques