Would you like to run for the works council yourself?
We can help you on your way to becoming a works council member.
Are you considering running for the works council but don't know exactly what to expect? We can help you prepare for your candidacy in the best possible way. Find out what steps are important, what tasks you will be responsible for, and how you can best position yourself to successfully represent the interests of your colleagues. Are you ready to take on responsibility? We are here for you.
The works council candidacy
Six good reasons to run for the works council
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Active participation in decision-making
As a works council member, you actively contribute to co-determination within the company and can influence company decisions through your involvement in consultations and agreements.
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Together instead of alone
As a works council member, you are part of a strong team. Together, you act as ONE works council to support employees and help improve team spirit and cooperation.
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Well informed
As a works council member, you receive important information firsthand instead of through the grapevine. And with valid knowledge, you can plan ahead to protect employee interests even better and more efficiently.
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Commitment to employees
As a works council member, you learn about the needs and concerns of employees and incorporate these into the change process, thereby increasing acceptance and support.
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Long-term stability and success of the company
Die Schaffung einer soliden Arbeitskultur sowie die Sicherstellung fairer Arbeitsbedingungen sind wesentliche Faktoren für die Stabilität und den Erfolg des Unternehmens. Als Betriebsrat trägst Du durch deine Arbeit maßgeblich zu deren Umsetzung bei.
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Personal development
As a works council member, you will receive the personal training you need to master the many challenges of works council work. Much of this can, of course, also be applied in everyday life.
What can I expect as a works council member?
Working as a works council member is often challenging, sometimes exhausting, and above all, rarely boring. Even though you can sometimes promote positive aspects within the company and stand up for your colleagues, you can be sure that the greatest need for action is where employees have problems.
In order to master the many challenges that await you in your day-to-day work on the works council, you should be prepared to learn and apply new things. This includes diplomatic communication, which can be used in conflicts within the council. Constructiveness and fairness are qualities that will help you and the council move forward.
As a works council member, you take on an unpaid honorary position. This means that you do not receive any additional salary for your work as a works council member, only your regular salary.
Your employer exempts you from your normal work so that you can carry out your works council duties, without reducing your salary, of course. Works council members must not be given preferential treatment or disadvantaged in comparison to their colleagues. As a works council member, it is important to express your own opinion and to work for the benefit of the employees. Since this can sometimes lead to disagreements with your employer, you are protected by special protection against dismissal.
Frequently asked questions about running for the works council
Why should I stand as a candidate for the works council?
As a works council member, you can actively improve working conditions, represent the interests of your colleagues, and influence decisions within the company. It is an opportunity to take on responsibility, promote social justice, and develop your personal skills, such as negotiation and teamwork. You are an important voice for your colleagues and can bring about real change.
Who can run for the works council? Who is eligible for election?
All employees who have been employed by the company for at least six months and are working at the company on election day are eligible to vote. This also applies to part-time employees, marginal employees, job-sharing employees, and employees with flexible working hours.
How long is the term of office for a works council?
A works council is elected for a term of four years in accordance with Section 21 of the Works Constitution Act (BetrVG). The term of office begins with the announcement of the election results and ends automatically with the next works council election, which takes place every four years. During this period, the works council performs the tasks of co-determination and representation of the interests of the workforce.
- There are exceptions to the four-year term of office in the following cases:
- Resignation or dissolution of the works council: If the majority of the works council members resign or the works council is dissolved, a new election must be held within three months (Section 13 (2) No. 3 BetrVG).
- Operational changes: Significant operational changes such as mergers, demergers, or the closure of parts of the business may necessitate extraordinary new elections (Section 13 (2) Nos. 1 and 2 BetrVG).
At the end of their term of office, works council members may stand for re-election if they enjoy the confidence of the workforce.
Are there any costs for candidates?
No, the costs of the works council election and all other costs incurred in connection with the work of the works council are borne by the employer. This is regulated by law in the Works Constitution Act (BetrVG).
Do election candidates have special protection against dismissal?
Yes, election candidates enjoy special protection against dismissal. This begins when the election nomination is submitted and remains in effect until six months after the election. The protection against dismissal is intended to ensure that candidates can run for office without fear of discrimination or pressure from their employer. However, extraordinary dismissals remain possible in cases of serious misconduct.
The costs of a works council explained simply:
Bereit für die Betriebsratswahl? Wir unterstützen Dich!
Would you like to run in the next works council election and need support? Let's work together to find the best way to proceed with your candidacy. We look forward to hearing from you!