Betriebsräte

A Betriebsrat (works council) is an employee-elected body within a company that represents workers’ interests. Its role is to collaborate with management on issues like working conditions, health and safety, wages, and working hours. The Betriebsrat helps ensure that employees’ rights are protected and that company policies are fair. It functions as a mediator between staff and management, promoting dialogue and cooperation. In Germany, the Betriebsrat is legally established in companies with a certain number of employees and operates within a legal framework that balances employee representation with business needs.