Bonn – “The ‘Factory of the Future’ project at Hauni has shown that it is possible to counter employers’ lack of ideas and vision. This is encouraging and also offers a model for other works councils!” said Christiane Benner, Second Chair of IG Metall, on Thursday in Bonn in her laudatory speech honoring the winners of the Works Council Award in the Gold category.
The award was presented to three works councils organized by IG Metall in the tobacco division of Körber AG—namely Hauni Maschinenbau GmbH and Baltic Metalltechnik GmbH, Universelle Engineering U.N.I. GmbH, and Hauni Primary GmbH—for the development of the “Factory of the Future/HG21+” transformation concept.
The works councils succeeded in preventing outsourcing, relocations, and impending partial closures. In doing so, they consistently relied on co-determination and employee participation.
Together with IG Metall, the works councils secured the conclusion of a forward-looking collective bargaining agreement that includes, among other things, an innovation fund, a new team to strengthen diversification, and a comprehensive training program. As a result, over 270 jobs were saved.
The Hauni Group is a leading global provider of technologies and technical services for the international tobacco industry and is represented worldwide by approximately 4,500 employees at over 20 locations. The steady decline in tobacco consumption in Germany necessitated changes to operations in the tobacco business segment.
Many companies and sectors of German industry are undergoing a fundamental transformation due to changes in markets or legal frameworks. The “Factory of the Future/Hauni Way” project exemplifies how such processes can be shaped in a socially responsible and democratic manner. Christiane Benner: “The works councils at Hauni succeeded in working with the employees to develop alternatives to the company’s restructuring plan. The employees contributed their knowledge, experience, and creativity. However, this was only possible through a major effort and in conflict with the company. To enable even more works councils to take action together with employees, we need a complete overhaul of co-determination. We want fundamental reforms, not just a facelift!”
Benner called for the expansion of co-determination on strategic business issues. He also emphasized the need for a general right to co-determination and initiative regarding the planning and implementation of on-the-job training: “Works councils need a stronger legal foundation to secure jobs and influence the company’s future.”
Background on the Works Council Award:
The “German Works Council Award” is an initiative of the renowned trade journal “Arbeitsrecht im Betrieb.” Since 2009, it has recognized the commitment and successful work of works councils that have made a lasting contribution to preserving or creating jobs, improving working conditions, or managing crises within companies. Each year, a jury composed of representatives from labor unions, academia, and proven practitioners selects winners from a consistently large number of submitted projects.
More than 1,000 committees have applied for the German Works Council Award since the first call for entries. The central idea behind the award is to generate public attention and recognition for exemplary advocacy—regardless of industry, company size, or union affiliation.
The award is presented once in each of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories. In addition, the jury awards various special prizes.
