German Works Constitution Act – Compact Course 1
Your Fast Track to Works Council Practice
This compact course provides a clear and practice-oriented introduction to the German Works Constitution Act (BetrVG). You will learn about the works council’s key rights and duties, understand how the council is organised, and gain a first overview of participation and co-determination rights — including the growing importance of digital works council activities.
To exercise the works council’s participation rights effectively, you must understand the fundamental rights and duties of the works council as a collective body. This will enable you to perform your duties in compliance with the law and make effective use of your participation and co-determination rights.
Your Role – Successfully Representing Employees’ Interests
- The works council as the voice of the workforce – expectations and reality
- Effective teamwork – the works council as a collective body
Your Toolbox – Legal Foundations of Works Council Activities
- Understanding legal concepts – a practical introduction
- Statutory law, collective agreements, works agreements, employment contracts
- Hierarchy of legal sources and the favourability principle – explained with practical examples
What Are Your Rights and Duties?
- Works council membership as an honorary office – prohibition of preferential or detrimental treatment
- Special protection against dismissal and unlawful reprisals
- Duties of confidentiality and secrecy
- Paid time off for necessary works council duties – guaranteed by law
- Training under section 37(6) and (7) BetrVG – your statutory entitlement
Organisation of the Works Council
- Duties and powers of the works council chair
- Setting up committees and working groups
- Digital works council administration – efficient organisation and data protection
- Works assembly and departmental meetings in compliance with the law
- Cooperation with the Youth and Trainee Representation (JAV) and the Representative Body for Severely Disabled Employees (SBV)
Working Effectively as a Works Council
- Works council meetings and resolutions – in person and online
- Monthly meetings with the employer – how to make the most out of them
- Consultation hours and handling of employee complaints
- Works council entitlements – costs, facilities and resources
- Obtaining expert and legal support – particularly in connection with AI
Co-Determination – Overview of Participation Rights
- From information rights to full co-determination
- The different areas and levels of works council participation
Participation Rights in Personnel Matters
- Hiring, transfers, classification and reclassification – what you need to know
- Dismissals: consultation with the works council, raising concerns, lodging objections
- Workforce planning and safeguarding employment – exercising the right to submit proposals
- Personnel questionnaires and employee appraisal criteria – co-determination from the recruitment stage onwards
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.
