Works Councils: One Concept, Many Flavours

The seventh episode in the “Wild Side '' focuses on works councils. Information and consultation bodies exist in many countries in some form, this episode concentrates on works councils or trade union committees with information and consultation rights in Europe. We discuss why establishing constructive relationships with bodies that represent employee interests is fundamental to European employee relations. A short example of managing a restructuring exercise across Europe sets out information and consultation and the penalties that can apply if the company gets it wrong. 

Key Takeaways: 

• The history of works councils in Europe. [:12]

• Common misconceptions about works councils and the common threads that bind them. [2:10]

• Membership guidelines for works councils. [5:14]

• Power and penalties of works councils. [8:10]

• An example of how works councils and trade unions can affect workplace restructuring. [9:44]

Resources: 

HR Policy Association

Alan Wild on Linkedin

awild@hrpolicy.org 

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