Worker participation - Germany

Introduction

Germany has a well-established regulatory framework for worker participation. Rules were set out as early as the 1950s on how workers participate in management decisions - through board membership and works councils (see chapters 3.4 and 3.5). Indeed, works councils have a crucial role in OSH participation (see chapter 3.5.1.1). There is also the function of the Sicherheitsbeauftragter (lit.: safety delegate, the function refers to the health and safety representative, HSR) - which has a long tradition in German law.Beyond the regulatory framework, there are, however, shortcomings in how worker participation is implemented in practise: Only 38% - 45% of…