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Germany - working with the works council

Who should attend

This virtual training course is relevant to international HR managers and directors who are based in Germany or have responsibility for operations in Germany. It will also be useful to managers and directors who anticipate entering the German market and who need to be aware of employee participation rights in Germany.

Synopsis

It is a widespread belief among HR experts of multinational companies that it is extremely difficult to operate in Germany; some foreign companies may even refrain from setting-up a well-staffed business presence on the German market because they believe that endless negotiations with employee representatives are unavoidable.

It is often the fear of the unknown and the strange body called "works council" which is believed to be causing nothing but trouble in the workplace. The truth of the matter is, however, far less scary and there are numerous benefits to be gained from working in close co-operation with a commercially aware and pro-active works council.

Please note that we are also running a Netherlands - working with the works council virtual course on 6 February 2023 and a France - working with the works council virtual course on 18 April 2023.

Programme

14.00 (GMT)

Start

Introduction

  • different types of participation
  • works councils
  • trade unions
  • co-determination on supervisory boards

Legal framework

  • Works Constitution Act (Betriebsverfassungsgesetz)
  • voting rights
  • representation

Formation and types of the works councils

  • elections
  • company works council (Gesamtbetriebsrat)
  • group works council (Konzernbetriebsrat)
  • European works councils

Rights of the works council

  • information
  • consultation
  • co-determination

Conciliation committee (Einigungsstelle)

Legal position of works council members

17.00 (GMT)

Close

A short comfort break will take place part way through the session.

This course will provide an insight into:

  • the different forms of employee participation
  • establishment of and dealing with the works council
  • rights and obligations of employee representatives
  • important provisions of the Works Constitution Act
  • practical tips on managing the relationship with the works council

Cost: £260

All prices are exclusive of VAT

Select a date

19/06/2023
virtual online
14:00 - 17:00 (Local time)