You decide who represents you All the details about the JAV election

• Monitor compliance with laws and collective bargaining agreements.
• Monitor the quality of training to ensure, for example, that apprentices are not required to perform tasks unrelated to their training or are treated unfairly.
• Request measures for apprentices, such as permanent employment after completing their training.
• Promote the integration of young people and apprentices from other countries, which means standing against right-wing extremism.

What does the JAV do for young employees?

Youth and apprentice representatives are experts on training matters: Together with the union and the works council, they advocate for the interests of young people and apprentices in the company. The JAV handles:

• A quality apprenticeship. Demands in the workplace are increasing. That’s why the quality of the apprenticeship must be right.

• Support in the day-to-day life of an apprentice. Troubles during training, intimidation, and other everyday problems: If you fight alone, you can’t stand up for your interests. The JAV offers support and stands firmly by the apprentices’ side.
• Permanent Hiring. Learna lot and then end up without a job? That can’t happen! The JAV works to ensure permanent hiring after your apprenticeship—ideally in permanent positions—in accordance with the IG Metall collective bargaining agreement.
• Your rights. Is your apprenticeship stipend correct? Can I take educational leave? Does my boss have to pay for training materials or a transportation allowance? The JAV keeps track of everything apprentices are entitled to.

In which companies must a JAV be elected?

In companies with at least five young employees under the age of 18 or apprentices, a Youth and Apprentice Representative Council must be elected. A prerequisite is that the company already has a works council, since the works council is responsible for initiating the JAV election.

When is the JAV elected?

The specific election date at the company depends on when the JAV’s first term ends: It ends exactly two years after the election results are announced. The typical election period is October and November. If there is no JAV at the company yet, the works council can initiate the election at any time. The next elections will take place in 2024.

Who conducts the election?

To initiate and conduct the JAV election, the works council appoints an election committee. This must be done no later than eight weeks before the end of the JAV’s term of office under the standard election procedure, which must be followed in companies with more than 100 young people and apprentices. Under the simplified election procedure, which applies to companies with up to 50 young people and apprentices—and, by agreement, up to 100—four weeks’ notice is sufficient. The election committee usually has three members. At least one member of the election committee must be of legal age and have been employed by the company for at least six months.

How does the election work in detail?

1. The works council determines the end of the current JAV’s term of office.
2. The Works Council sets the (first) election date.
3. The Works Council appoints an election committee. Deadline: Eight weeks before the end of the current JAV’s term in the standard election procedure; four weeks before in the simplified election procedure.
4. The election committee compiles the voter list. Deadline: Immediately after its appointment.
5. The election committee determines the size of the JAV to be elected and calculates the distribution of seats by gender. Deadline: Immediately before issuing the election notice.
6. The election committee issues the election notice and posts it. Deadline: Six weeks before election day under the standard election procedure; immediately after compiling the voter list under the simplified election procedure.
7. The election committee makes the voter list and the election rules available for public inspection. Deadline: At the same time the election notice is posted.
8. The Election Committee accepts nominations no later than two weeks after the election notice is issued and immediately verifies their validity.
9. The election committee announces the nominations. Deadline: One week before Election Day.
10. The Election Committee prepares for the election (absentee ballot materials, ballots, volunteers, polling places). Deadline: Immediately after the announcement of the nominations.

Who is eligible to vote?

The Youth and Apprentice Representative Body (JAV) is elected every two years. The pool of eligible voters has expanded as a result of the Works Council Modernization Act. All employees who have not yet reached the age of 25, as well as all employees in vocational training regardless of age (apprentices, dual-track students, etc.), are eligible to run for the JAV. With the removal of the age limit in voting rights, trainees and interns, for example, can now also vote and run for office. Those interested should contact the current JAV or the works council—they have all the necessary information.