What is the European works council?
European Works Councils are bodies representing the European employees of a company. Through them, workers are informed and consulted by management on the progress of the business and any significant decision at European level that could affect their employment or working conditions.
What is codetermination in Germany?
Codetermination in Germany is a concept that involves the right of workers to participate in management of the companies they work for. It applies to public and private companies, so long as there are over 2,000 employees. For companies with 500–2,000 employees, one third of the supervisory board must be elected.
What is the difference between works council and trade union?
The distinctions between trade unions and works councils are the following: Trade unions are voluntary affiliations that exclusively represent the interests of their members. Works councils represent all employees in the company and are constituted by statute.
What is the purpose of a works council?
Works councils and staff councils represent the employees of a company. For this purpose, employees elect colleagues from their company to the works council or staff council. It then champions the rights of all employees in the company and negotiates, for example, works agreements.
What rights do works council have?
The works council has rights, such as: the right to prior consultation if decisions or measures that will majorly impact your employees are taken. the right of consent in the event of changes regarding terms of employment (such as working times or employment conditions)
Who are the members of a European Works Council?
The EWC Directive (94/45/EC) applies to all companies with 1,000 or more workers, and at least 150 employees in each of two or more EU Member States. It obliges them to establish European Works Councils to bring together workers’ representatives (usually trade unionists) from all the EU Member States…
How does an EWC work in the EU?
Typically, an EWC involves consulting a forum of employee representatives from across the EU member states about workplace change with cross-border implications. For senior executives from outside Europe who are unfamiliar with continental works councils, they can also demand a change in mindset.
How does the European Works Council Directive work?
The directive aims to promote voluntary agreements on the constitution and operation of EWCs. This functions in two ways.
How many employees does a company have to have to be an EWC?
The EWC Directive (94/45/EC) applies to all companies with 1,000 or more workers, and at least 150 employees in each of two or more EU Member States.