Establishment of a works council

We guide you through the election process in a legally compliant, relaxed, and successful manner

Establishing a works council is always a good idea! A works council can represent the rights and interests of the workforce much better than an individual employee. We provide you with comprehensive support in establishing a works council: from the initial preparatory steps to the actual implementation of the works council election in your company.

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Why have a works council?

CampusArbeitswelt – Your partner for works council elections

For over 20 years, we have been supporting employees from a wide range of companies in setting up works councils and assisting new committees with their first steps in office. Our proven training concept, comprehensive documentation, and individual consulting have proven themselves time and again. We provide timely, reliable assistance on an equal footing—from small businesses to DAX-listed corporations. Even if the situation in the company appears challenging at first, all parties involved usually quickly recognize the advantages of a trusting relationship between employer and works council.

What we offer you

  • Initial consultation and strategic planning of the next steps.

  • Creation of a timeline roadmap including a set of forms.

  • Recommendation of a notary with prompt appointment scheduling.

  • Special protection against dismissal after submitting the letter of intent to a notary.

A works council is worthwhile – for employees and employers alike

  • Protection of employee rights

    A works council ensures that employee rights are protected. It monitors compliance with labor laws and ensures that employee rights are upheld and improved. It prevents unjustified dismissals.

  • Co-determination and participation

    The establishment of a works council gives employees the opportunity to contribute their opinions and suggestions. This promotes identification with the company and contributes to a cooperative working atmosphere.

  • Improved working conditions

    The works council has the opportunity to actively contribute to improving working conditions. This includes negotiations on wages, working hours, and many other work-related issues.

  • Participation in shaping operational changes

    By mediating between employees and management, the works council can help to ensure that operational changes are implemented more effectively. It takes note of the needs and concerns of employees and incorporates them into the change process, thereby increasing acceptance and support for the measures.

  • Long-term stability and success of the company

    Creating a solid work culture and ensuring fair working conditions are essential factors for the stability and success of the company. Through its work, the works council contributes significantly to their implementation.

  • Promotion of communication

    A works council promotes dialogue between employers and employees. This improves understanding and cooperation within the company and helps to resolve conflicts.

Election committee training

The next regular works council elections will take place in spring 2026. As these are very complex, it is important to avoid formal errors or deadline violations. With our complete package for works council elections, we offer you, as the election committee, the optimal foundation and much more than just a seminar.

Election committee training

FAQ

Do you have general questions about the upcoming works council election?

Then you've come to the right place! You'll find all the important answers in our comprehensive FAQs: concise, understandable, and to the point.

Whether it's seat allocation, deadlines, or legal principles, we provide you with all the relevant information so that you are well prepared. Take a look and start the works council election well informed!

To our FAQ posts

Frequently asked questions about setting up a works council

How many members does the works council have?

The size of the works council depends on the number of employees in the company who are eligible to vote. The Works Constitution Act regulates the composition of the works council according to the number of employees. The more employees a company has, the larger the works council must be in order to ensure adequate representation of the workforce. Here is an overview of how the number of works council members is generally composed according to Section 9 of the Works Constitution Act: 

     Up to 20 employees eligible to vote: 1 works council member 

    21 to 50 employees eligible to vote: 3 works council members 

    51 to 100 employees eligible to vote: 5 works council members 

    101 to 200 employees eligible to vote: 7 works council members 

    201 to 400 employees eligible to vote: 9 works council members 

    401 to 700 employees eligible to vote: 11 works council members 

    701 to 1,000 employees eligible to vote: 13 works council members 

1,001 to 9,000 employees eligible to vote: 500 employees eligible to vote
+2 works council members 

For companies with more than 9,000 employees, the number of works council members increases incrementally: For every additional 3,000 employees, 2 members are added.

Who bears the costs of the works council election?

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). This includes:

Costs of preparing and conducting the election: All expenses necessary for the proper conduct of the works council election, such as election documents, ballot papers, ballot boxes, or information events, are borne by the employer. Training and further education: The employer must also bear the costs of training necessary for the proper performance of the works council's tasks. Leave of absence for works council work: Works council members must be released from work for their duties without any loss of pay. Remuneration continues to be paid as for regular employment. Material resources and office equipment: The employer is obliged to provide the works council with the necessary material resources. This includes office equipment, IT equipment, and means of communication to enable the works council to carry out its work efficiently.

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. 

Here you will find all the documents you need to set up a works council.

Do you need help setting up a works council?

Are you about to set up a works council and need expertise and active support? We are happy to help and look forward to hearing from you.

Jetzt anrufen: 0211/96294060 Email to: info@campusarbeitswelt.de