Press Statement IG Metall Welcomes Draft of the Works Council Strengthening Act

Jörg Hofmann, President:“Changes in the world of work require the further development of co-determination. The draft bill addresses some initial points. This needs to be developed further.”

Christiane Benner, Second Chair: “Work 4.0 needs Co-determination 4.0. Digitalization, globalization, and transformation require a complete overhaul of co-determination. The BMAS’s draft bill is a first step toward modern co-determination. It is particularly positive in two respects: simplified election procedures and protection for employees who want to establish a works council. These are important prerequisites for greater democracy in the workplace. Furthermore, the works council’s right to co-determination regarding mobile work and its organization is the right response to employees’ desire for a mix of office-based and mobile work.

The proposals on training and the use of artificial intelligence (AI), on the other hand, fall far short of workplace requirements. Here, too—and especially here—works councils must be empowered to take the initiative themselves and actively shape these developments.

The draft bill presented was formulated on the basis of the current coalition agreement. However, a necessary, comprehensive reform must go far beyond that. That is why IG Metall launched its “Co-determination Initiative” in the run-up to the 2021 federal election and will hold the parties accountable based on their proposals for shaping co-determination.”

Further information and press photos of Jörg Hofmann

Further information and press photos of Christiane Benner