The employer alone bears the costs resulting from the work of the works council. In this respect, the works council does not have any assets or funds. Additionally, the employer must provide the necessary rooms, material resources, information and communications technology, and office personnel for the works council meetings, office hours, and day-to-day business. If…

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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…

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Members of the works council have special protection against dismissal. This means that their employment relationships can only be terminated for an important reason and with the consent of the works council committee. If the works council committee does not consent to the intended dismissal of the works council member, the employer is obligated to…

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The works council represents all employees. In contrast, the works council does not represent managing directors, managing boards, or senior staff members.

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A works council can be elected in Germany in operations normally having at least five employees. Whether a works council should be elected in an operation is decided exclusively by the employees. Preventing a works council election in Germany is punishable under criminal law. The size of the works council to be elected depends on…

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