Training in English

Working with the Works Council

Introduction for Line Managers and HR

This Training in English is held in English.
Multinational organizations are frequently organised along matrix structures with a cross-border centralized 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 training 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.
  • Favorability principle.
  • Collective bargaining agreement: flexibility clauses (opening clauses).
  • Ad hoc informal arrangements with the works council (regulatory agreements).
  • Custom and practice.
  • Co-determination rights of the works council - the catalogue of section 87 of the Works Constitution Act (§ 87 BetrVG).
  • Conciliation process.

Practical examples

  • Case study: Collective redundancies and the role of the works council.
  • Negotiating a social plan and balancing of interests agreement.
  • Case study: Outsourcing as a "change to the business".

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 (after-effect).
  • Works council agreements and M&A.

Online Learning Platform

Once you have registered, you will find useful information, downloads and extra services relating to this training course in your online learning environment.

Benefits

This training 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.

Instructor

Methods

Lecture, practical case studies, group exercises, discussion, exchange of participants' experiences

Recommended for

Non-German-speaking HR managers with personnel responsibility in Germany, but without or little prior knowledge of German employment law and human resources

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training Reviews of "Working with the Works Council"

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Joint online training
Booking number
33474
€ 920,- plus VAT
1 day
Online
2 Events
English
Events
Train several employees internally
Pricing upon request
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15.07.2025
Live-Online
Booking number: 33474
€ 920,- excl. VAT
€ 1.094,80 incl. VAT
Course
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Technical notes
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Days & Times
1 day
Limited number of participants

Tuesday, 15.07.2025

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

28.01.2026
Live-Online
Booking number: 33474
€ 920,- excl. VAT
€ 1.094,80 incl. VAT
Course
zoom
zoom
Technical notes
We use various software to conduct our online events.
Days & Times
1 day
Limited number of participants

Wednesday, 28.01.2026

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Booking number: 33474
€ 920,- excl. VAT
€ 1.094,80 incl. VAT
Details
1 day
Limited number of participants
Booking number: 33474
€ 920,- excl. VAT
€ 1.094,80 incl. VAT
Details
1 day
Limited number of participants
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