Works Council Training

A growing number of companies in Germany have a multinational composition with English as the official language of communication. The requirements of German labour law and the Works Council Constitution Act (BetrVG) are unique and can lead to many traps and misunderstandings, especially between local staff and a foreign management. We offer a three-day Works Council Training on the basic tenets of the BetrVG. The content is provided in an understandable way. It includes many practical examples which facilitate to implement the knowledge  in the day-to-day work. The course and all training material is provided in English.

The German Works Council Constitution Act (BetrVG) is by international standards unique in giving employees informational, participation and co-determination rights with the election of a Works Council. It is often confused with the role of trade unions but the BetrVG makes provision for specific obligations and roles on the part of the employer, Works Council and trade unions.

Our Works Council Module I training gives an overview of the basic duties, responsibilities and obligations for newly elected members, specifically designed for expats.

Content:

• Works Council administration such as correct decision-making, holding of meetings, minutes and drafting the agenda.
• Responsibilities and duties of the Works Council
• Confidentiality and data protection
• Informational, participation and self-determination rights
• The feedback loop to colleagues: Departmental and staff meetings
• Strategy and prioritization

Objective:

Our trainers have many years of practical experience, some also as chairmen of Works Councils.  This is far from being just a training on the legal pros and cons. The objective is to not only give an overview of the rules and obligations as defined by law but to provide practical examples in the day-to-day operations:

• What does “mutual cooperation” with the employer really mean?
• How can I achieve my objectives and what do fellow staff members expect from the Works Council?
• What options does the Works Council have during company changes, closures or staff dismissals?
• Co-determination on working hours, breaks, overtime, vacation planning etc.

Method:

The training is a good mixture of theory, group work, visual and practical elements and taking cognizance of current issues confronting the Works Council.

Dates:

August 24-25th
September 21-21st
October 18-19th

We also offer a training on the German Works Council Constitution Act that is specifically designed for expat members of HR, supervisors and managers.

Please contact us for an individual offer for an inhouse training:

Giuseppa Müller
+49 441 219805 90
seminare@gsconsult.de