Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.
In this episode, Jasper Hoffstedde and Dennis Veldhuizen shed light on the works council’s purpose and added value in the decision-making process. For U.S.-based listeners, Dennis’ quick side-by-side comparison of union vs works council rights may be of interest. Furthermore, all of the basics are explained:
- When and how to set up a works council
- When to actually involve the works council
- Who should serve as point of contact to the works council
What is a works council?
A works council is an independent participation and co-determination body within the employer’s organization, meant to keep both the employer’s and employees’ interests in check. Companies that generally employ 50 people or more are obliged to install a works council. At the same time, many companies do not comply with this obligation out of a perceived fear of losing the ability to make swift business decisions. As discussed here, the opposite is mostly true, and, more importantly, failing to set up a works council where there is a legal obligation to do so may have even further-reaching consequences in frustrating the decision-making process.
