Analysis and Recommendations. Analyse und Handlungsempfehlungen: European Works Councils

Since 1994 a European Directive has allowed the establishment of a European Works Council in companies. For the first time, workforce representatives at large companies have the right to information and consultation in matters of a cross-border nature. The exact rights and obligations of a European Works Council, the way it performs its tasks and the election procedure, have to be agreed upon in each individual case. Some 800 such agreements were concluded during the first ten years.
The study presented here has analysed and evaluated 120 agreements and documented them using numerous citations. Half the companies looked at have their headquarters in Germany. The study shows that the culture and workplace relationships prevailing in the country of origin frequently decisively influence the agreements. Areas are also voluntarily included which are not expressly called for in the European Directive or the national transformation legislation. On the other hand, elements of information and consultation in the agreement rarely go beyond the confined legal framework.
Those active in this field will find ideas and support for the conclusion of their own agreements.