Company participation: a strong foundation for our democracy!

Company participation: a strong foundation for our democracy!

Österreich - On April 7, 2025, the day of operational participation will be celebrated, an occasion that is moved into the spotlight by the FCG federal chairman and ÖGB Vice President Romana Deckenbacher. Deckenbacher thanked the more than 90,000 employee representatives: inside in Austria, who actively stand up for fair working conditions. Your activities include the conclusion of company agreements, protection against sexual harassment, the introduction of digital work equipment as well as occupational health and health protection.

The main goal of these representatives: Inside, strengthening the rights of all employees, in particular, the demand for the expansion of the rights of the disabled confidence in the Labor Constitution Act is emphasized. Deckenbacher also referred to the unequal legal position of the disabled confidence in comparison to works council: inside and staff representatives: inside. There is a clear need for action for inclusion and accessibility in the world of work, which is important for the entire society.

rights and obligations in companies

In Germany, companies with at least five employees entitled to vote have the opportunity to choose a works council. This choice can take place at any time if there is still no works council. In companies with a works council, regular elections take place between March 1 and May 31, the last election was 2022 and the next is planned for 2026. The term of office of a works council is four years and the protection of the election is guaranteed by the Works Constitution Act. Any disability or inadmissible influence of these elections is punishable, which should ensure fairness and transparency in the election process.

The size of the works council varies depending on the number of employees entitled to vote, starting with a member for companies with 5 to 20 employees up to over 35 members for companies with more than 9,000 employees. Works councils are obliged to represent a wide range of interests and opinions, including the minority of the sexes in the workforce. In the event of disagreements between the employer and the works council, an operational arbitration board can be integrated in order to address conflicts in a solution -oriented manner.

company participation and their importance

The importance of operational participation cannot be assessed highly enough. The representatives: Inside, not only are responsibility for compliance with laws and regulations, but also enable that the votes of the employees are heard. In the event of disagreement between the works council and the employer, the employer is obliged to inform the works council comprehensively and in good time in order to promote constructive cooperation and enable dialogues.

Overall, the role of the works council is: inside and employee representatives: crucial for strengthening the rights of all employees and improving working conditions. Interested parties can find more information on rights and obligations On the website of the administration and on the page of the BMAS .

The day of operational participation reminds us of the need to continuously defend and expand these rights in order to create an inclusive and fair working world for everyone.