NEU! German Works Council Law – Compact
Essential Knowledge for Your Role on the Works Council
In this seminar, you will receive a compact introduction to the German Works Constitution Act (Betriebsverfassungsgesetz – BetrVG). You will become familiar with the essential rights and duties as well as the organisational foundations of the works council. The course provides an initial overview of participation rights, with a particular focus on co-determination in personnel matters.
To effectively exercise the works council’s participation rights, you must understand the core legal responsibilities and entitlements of the body. Only with this knowledge can you act in a legally secure manner and assert your co-determination rights with confidence and focus.
Your Role – Representing Employee Interests Effectively
- Voice of the workforce – What do colleagues or the employer expect?
- Teamwork within the council – Practical advice for successful collaboration
Your Toolbox – Legal Basis of Works Council Work
- Legal thinking for works council members – a vital introduction
- Legal sources: Acts, collective agreements, works agreements, employment contracts
- Hierarchy of norms and the favorability principle – Clearly explained with practical examples
What Are Your Rights – What Are Your Duties?
- Works council activity as honorary office: Prohibition of discrimination or favoritism
- Special protection against dismissal – Safeguards against illegal sanctions
- Don‘t forget: Duty of confidentiality and obligations of secrecy
- Training entitlement under § 37 para. 6 and 7 BetrVG – Your statutory right
Organization of the Works Council Body
- Duties and powers of the works council chairperson
- Formation of committees and working groups
- Works council office: Tips for effective organization and data protection
- Role of trade unions and employers‘ associations
Cooperation Within and With the Committee
- Works council meetings and resolutions – In-person and virtual formats
- Monthly meetings with the employer – How to shape them effectively
- Consultation hours and dealing with employee complaints
- Your entitlements: Costs and material resources for the works council
- Helpful support: Consultation by experts and legal counsel – especially for the use of artificial intelligence
- Paid release from work – When required for works council duties
Co-Determination – Overview of Your Participation Rights
- From information rights to full co-determination
- Areas of participation under the Works Constitution Act
Participation Rights in Personnel Matters
- Hiring, transfer, job classification, reclassification – What you need to know!
- Dismissals: Right to be heard, objections, and concerns of the works council
- Strategic Workforce planning and employment security – Make use of your right to propose
- Personnel questionnaires and appraisal principles – Genuine co-determination already during recruitment
Who Should Attend? This seminar is designed for newly elected or substitute works council members who need a practical, concise overview of their legal responsibilities. No previous experience is required. All content is delivered in clear, accessible English to ensure you are well equipped to represent employee interests effectively.
Für dieses Seminar können 14 Stunden für die Re-Zertifizierung zum »Certified Disability Management Professionals« (CDMP) von der DGUV angerechnet werden. Weitere Infos zur CDMP-Zertifizierung.
Schulungsanspruch
Unsere Einführungsseminare vermitteln das für die Betriebsratsarbeit unbedingt erforderliche Wissen auf dem Gebiet des Betriebsverfassungsrechts und des Arbeitsrechts (§ 37 Abs. 6 BetrVG). Darüber hinaus vermitteln sie das erforderliche wirtschaftliche und kommunikative Grundwissen, ohne das eine erfolgreiche Betriebsratsarbeit nicht möglich ist.
Dieses Seminar vermittelt in der Regel für die Schwerbehindertenvertretung erforderliche Kenntnisse nach § 179 Abs. 4 SGB IX. Mehr Details zum Schulungsanspruch für Schwerbehindertenvertreter*innen.
