A works council is a representative body of employees within an enterprise which in most European countries has a legal status and cannot be sidestepped or dissolved by employers. Under the German Works Constitution Act (“Betriebsverfassungsgesetz”), a works council should be elected in all establishments that normally have five or more permanent employees with voting rights. The members of the works council are elected by the entire workforce, and the works council’s duties are specified by law: the works council hears grievances, ensures that the employer complies with all labour laws and collective bargaining agreements, and bargains with the employers over personnel and social matters; including hirings, transfers, dismissals, hours of work, and plant rules.
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19. April 2022 | Labour Market, Employment and Social Policy
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Inflation is currently at a record high and will continue to go up as a result of the war in Ukraine and sanctions imposed on Russia. Considering the shortages in the economic environment, there is a ...read more
6. April 2022 | Series "Covid-19 crisis: consequences for the labour market"
With its numerous surveys the IAB will shed light on the coronavirus mystery
The Covid-19 crisis has led to a dramatic increase in the demand for information both in politics and practice. This poses an enormous challenge to the research and counselling activities at the IAB. ...read more