The shock was immense, but everyone immediately realized that we could not let it end there. When the first reports began circulating in January of this year about a meeting in Potsdam between politicians from the AfD and right-wing and far-right groups—at which there was even open discussion of “remigrating” entire segments of the population—the members of the Group and General Works Council of Siemens AG quickly became convinced: We, the works council members, must take action. Together with the Siemens team at IG Metall, the project “Protect Democracy, Strengthen Core Values” was launched. For this project, the Group and General Works Council of Siemens AG has now been awarded the German Works Council Prize in Gold in Bonn.
“We saw it in the European elections, we’re seeing it in the state elections in Brandenburg, Thuringia, and Saxony, and now again in the U.S. presidential election: There is an alarming shift to the right. Democracy as we know it is under attack. We will not be intimidated, and we stand up for democracy. Right now, it is crucial to take a firm stand within the company and take a clear stance. Democracy thrives on participation,” said Christiane Benner, First Chairwoman of IG Metall, in her laudatory speech in the plenary hall in Bonn. “In the eyes of the jury, you have done this in an exemplary manner with your project. When it mattered most, you took the initiative—sustainably and for the long term. With your project, you have made democracy and diversity a focus of action in the workplace. And in doing so, you have set an example within the workplace as well.”
Democracy Is Lived Out in the Workplace
The project “Protecting Democracy, Strengthening Core Values” brings together numerous activities aimed at taking a clear stand at Siemens—together with employees—against right-wing extremism and in favor of diversity, respect, and democracy. Activities were developed in collaboration with management, and the first ones have already been carried out—activities such as the “Dialogue for Tolerance and Diversity,” in which Birgit Steinborn, Chair of the General Works Council, together with Siemens Director of Labor Relations Judith Wiese, engages in dialogue with employees at various locations to signal: When it comes to combating right-wing extremism, we stand united. Or the “Action Month” in May, marking the anniversary of the German Basic Law, during which Siemens locations in Germany were called upon to carry out local initiatives promoting tolerance and diversity.
It can therefore be stated: Siemens works council members are taking responsibility. They have made “Protecting Democracy” their priority. Furthermore, the company has repeatedly taken a clear stance on the issue and is working closely with the General Works Council on this topic. Together with IG Metall, they are working on further activities, including in preparation for the 2026 works council elections.
“Democracy is lived out in the workplace and must also be protected there,” emphasized Christiane Benner in her laudatory speech. “You have not only recognized this, but have also seen yourselves as key players.”
Co-determination on a Global Level
The works council at Daimler Truck AG in Leinfelden-Echterdingen has also achieved groundbreaking results: As part of the establishment of a new European works council, it succeeded—with the support of IG Metall and IndustrieALL—in founding a global group works council that ensures genuine co-determination on a global level. The works council of Daimler Truck AG in Leinfelden-Echterdingen thus succeeded in granting the Daimler Global Employee Representative Council its own rights. For this achievement, they were awarded the special “Expanding Co-determination” prize in Bonn.
“In a world that is growing ever closer together, where capital and companies operate virtually without borders, it is increasingly important for employee representatives to create structures that allow them to collaborate globally,” said Peter Kippes, Head of Labor Policy on the IG Metall Executive Board, in his laudatory speech. “This makes it all the more important for works councils around the world to systematically network and stay informed about all projects that are significant across multiple countries. They need opportunities to consult with one another accordingly and, if necessary, even to bring in external experts. You have achieved all of this through an agreement with the company.”
Promoting Systematic Networking
Jörg Lorz, Vice Chair of the Daimler Truck European and Global Works Council, emphasized: “There are—and have always been—cross-border projects within the company that have implications for structure, staffing levels, and strategic direction extending beyond European borders.” For this reason, non-European countries should also be granted corresponding rights to information and consultation. “Global cooperation among employee representatives leads to meaningful synergies and helps works councils around the world to systematically network and stay informed about all projects with a cross-border nature. They have the opportunity to consult with one another as needed and, if necessary, even bring in external experts,” said Jörg Lorz. This ensures a systematic flow of information and can significantly improve the quality of works council work.
For Michael Brecht, Chair of the General Works Council at Daimler Trucks, it was therefore a priority to convene his global works council colleagues and advocate for a corresponding agreement. Together with IG Metall and IndustriALL, a proposal for an agreement was drafted that extends European rights to colleagues worldwide. Over the course of a year, there were regular internal coordination meetings—initially to discuss wording and present interim results—as part of the global employee representative meetings.
Proud of the Agreement
“As a result, we were able to reach and sign a great agreement establishing a European Works Council and a Global Works Council,” said Michael Brecht, Chair of the European and Global Works Councils. The agreement was successfully signed at the Global Employee Representative Meeting in November 2022, and the corresponding global body was finally constituted.
“We are very proud of this agreement because it is innovative and unparalleled among comparable industrial companies,” says Michael Brecht. “Daimler Truck’s employee representation is leading the way in terms of defining the rights of this international body.”
