WORKS COUNCIL MEETINGS, WORKS COUNCIL ASSEMBLIES

As far as considered necessary by the works council, the works council is entitled to hold works council meetings during which topics of concern for the works council are discussed. Such meetings are generally conducted once a week. All members of the works council attend these meetings. The meetings are not open to the public and take place during working hours. Additionally, the works council is obligated to hold a so-called works council assembly for all employees in the operation during working hours four times per calendar year. If it is PAGE 2 necessary to close the operation in order to hold this works council assembly, the works council can enforce such a closure. During the works council assembly, the works council has the opportunity to discuss with all employees topics relating to social policy, environmental policy and economics as well as topics of concern for the works council and the employees. The trade union represented in the operation likewise has a right to attend such assemblies and can act as an advisor at these assemblies.