Frankfurt am Main – Two companies within the IG Metall sector have won the 2023 German Works Council Award: The works council at ZF Friedrichshafen AG in Ahrweiler saved the entire plant and the jobs of its employees following the 2021 floods. And the works council at ArianeGroup GmbH in Bremen protected employees’ health with an early-warning system to prevent burnout. Ralf Reinstädtler, executive board member of IG Metall, said: “You don’t need superpowers to be a true hero of the working world. Often, simply being committed as a works council member is enough.”
The case of ZF-Friedrichshafen in Ahrweiler: During the devastating flood disaster on July 14, 2021, in the Ahr Valley, floodwaters also destroyed the automotive supplier’s production hall. The initial shock was followed by devastating news from corporate management: Instead of rebuilding the plant and restoring jobs locally, they planned to relocate operations to Koblenz. The works council protested, organized solidarity through the General Works Council, politicians, and the public—and, through an agreement with the company, found a suitable plot of land nearby for a new facility. The future for the employees is now secured at the new Brohltal plant—including job security: The works council secured a job guarantee from ZF Friedrichshafen through 2026. For this achievement, it receives the 2023 German Works Council Award in silver. IG Metall Executive Board member Ralf Reinstädtler: “Works councils distinguish themselves by creating a future out of seemingly hopeless situations.”
The case of ArianeGroup GmbH in Bremen: At the turn of the year 2021/2022, the rocket manufacturer faced an excessive workload coupled with a shortage of staff. ArianeGroup employees at the Bremen site could no longer cope with the workload. This prompted the works council to implement proactive and accessible guidelines within the company: an innovative works agreement under which employees and managers can discuss impending work overloads openly, early on, and in a protected setting through a tiered model. The goal is to prevent mental and physical strain from arising in the first place and to receive support from the company. Ralf Reinstädtler: “Good work requires dedicated works council efforts: Employees depend on first-class occupational safety and health protection. Everyone benefits from this.” For this, the ArianeGroup Bremen works council receives the 2023 “Good Work” Special Award from the German Works Council Awards.
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 are dedicated to the long-term preservation or creation of jobs, the improvement of working conditions, or the management of crises within companies. Each year, a high-caliber jury composed of union representatives, academics, 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. Public attention and recognition for exemplary representation of workers’ interests—regardless of industry, company size, or union affiliation—is the central idea behind this nationally renowned award.
The award is presented once in each of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories.
In addition, the jury awards various special prizes.
