
Working with the Works Council
Introduction for Line Managers and HR
Multinational organisations are frequently organised along matrix structures with a cross-border centralised HR team. For the correct management of the employees in Germany, the HR Managers must be familiar with the German labor law. In fact, the first meeting with works councils can be confusing and a painful and costly experience. In this seminar you will receive an introduction and a substantial overview of the participation of the works council in German companies.
Content
Background
Sources of employment law - plus similarities and key differences compared to common law jurisdictions.
Cultural differences in interpersonal relations.
The German corporate structure and its impact on the management function.
Key players: trade unions, works councils and employer associations.
Working with the Works Council on staff/HR matters
Information, consultation and co-determination.
Representation of executives within corporates.
Works council involvement throughout the lifecycle of the employment relationship.
Role of works council agreements.
Role of collective bargaining agreements.
Works Council Agreements
Form requirements.
Relationship between employment contract and works council agreement.
Favourability principle (Günstigkeitsprinzip).
Collective bargainig agreement: flexibility clauses (Öffnungsklauseln).
Ad hoc informal arrangements with the works council (Regelungsabreden).
Custom and practice.
Co-determination rights of the works council – the catalogue of section 87 of the Works Constitution Act (§ 87 BetrVG).
Conciliation process (Einigungsstellenverfahren).
Practical examples
Case study: Collective redundancies and the role of the works council.
Negotiating a social plan (Sozialplan) and balancing of interests agreement (Interessenausgleich).
Case study: Outsourcing as a “change to the business” (Betriebsänderung).
Expiry date of Works Council Agreements
Changing works council agreements.
Terminating works council agreements and consequences.
Continuation of terms of works council agreements beyond the termination date (Nachwirkung).
Works council agreements and M&A.
Online Learning Platform
Once you have registered, you will be able to access your online learning platform, including extra materials for consolidating what you have learned.
Benefits
This seminar will help you
- to identify and understand the level of German works council participation,
- to identify typical conflict areas between management and works council, and
- to prevent costly mistakes for your business.
This is a one-day course delivered by a team of two of our experienced trainers.
The course language is English and all course material will be provided in English. No prior knowledge of German employment law is required.
Methods
Lecture, practical case studies, group exercises, discussion, exchange of participants' experiences
Who should attend
Non-German-speaking HR managers with personnel responsibility in Germany, but without or little prior knowledge of German employment law and human resources
- Customised for your needs
- On-site for multiple employees
- Save time and travelling expenses
Price on request.
Request30569


Die angegebene Teilnahmegebühr beinhaltet
- ein gemeinsames Mittagessen pro vollem Seminartag,
- Pausenverpflegung und
- umfangreiche Arbeitsunterlagen.
Die Übernachtungskosten im Hotel werden vom Teilnehmer direkt mit dem Hotel abgerechnet. Für die Hotelbuchung finden Sie in Ihrer Lernumgebung ein Reservierungsformular.