The German works council and collective bargaining development since unification

In: German politics: Journal of the Association for the Study of German Politics, Band 4, Heft 3, S. 145-155

Abstract

Works councils are a central feature of the German industrial relations system. As German unification has progressed their role has become increasingly central to the collective bargaining process. This article describes the reasons for the developing flexibility of works councils in respect to bargaining at plant level. This in turn raises questions concerning the stability of the German collective bargaining model. Evidence suggests that the transformation process in Germany has allowed works councils to evolve into flexible and responsive institutions. (German Politics / FUB)