Establishment of works councils advocated in Halle by NGG
In the bustling city of Halle, home to approximately 5,090 businesses and 112,400 employees, the role of a works council becomes increasingly significant, especially during challenging economic times. According to the Nahrung-Genuss-Gaststätten (NGG) Leipzig-Halle-Dessau, a works council serves as the "hinge between staff and management," providing a formal structure for employee participation in company decisions and ensuring workers' interests are considered during difficult periods.
One of the key benefits of establishing a works council is employee representation. This formal structure allows workers to have a voice in company decisions, ensuring their interests are represented and their concerns addressed. In times of economic crisis, this becomes even more crucial as companies navigate restructuring, short-time work, and other challenging measures.
Another advantage of a works council is improved communication. They facilitate transparent dialogue between management and employees, helping to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts. This open dialogue fosters a positive work environment and contributes to the smooth running of the company.
In economic crises, works councils can collaborate with management on crisis management measures. This collaboration helps to balance company survival with employee protections, ensuring that both parties are supported during difficult times. Works councils often negotiate safeguards for jobs, working conditions, and social benefits, providing employees with a sense of security amid economic challenges.
Establishing a works council can also help companies comply with labor laws and avoid legal disputes. With as few as five employees, a works council can and should be established, according to the NGG.
In Halle, many employees currently have no worker representation. However, the NGG Leipzig-Halle-Dessau offers "start-up aid" for establishing a works council. Interested businesses can contact them at [email protected] or (0341) 688 43 240.
It's important to note that newly established works councils in Halle will not stand for re-election in the regular works council elections next year, but in 2030. This gives newly established councils ample time to make a positive impact on their respective companies.
In addition to the above benefits, a works council tackles sensitive issues within a company, dealing with individual cases - personal problems of employees, and supporting employees who are overwhelmed with work. These changes will affect many businesses in the city, according to NGG Leipzig-Halle-Dessau.
The new federal government is planning changes to working conditions, including the potential abolition of the daily maximum working hours. As these changes unfold, it's more important than ever for companies to establish a works council and provide their employees with a formal structure for representation and participation in company decisions.
Christian Ullmann of the union Nahrung-Genuss-Gaststätten (NGG) encourages companies in Halle without a works council to establish worker representation now. A works council is not just beneficial for crisis management, but also for the overall atmosphere in the company, contributing to a positive and productive work environment.
- The health-and-wellness industry, in collaboration with finance and business sectors, can benefit from the establishment of a works council, as it provides a formal structure for employee participation and representation, fostering open dialogue and positive work environment.
- During economic crises, a works council can work closely with management to ensure both company survival and employee protections, offering negotiations for safeguards such as job security, working conditions, and social benefits.
- By establishing a works council, companies in the science workplace-wellness field can ensure compliance with labor laws, prevent legal disputes, and address sensitive issues within the company, such as personal employee problems and workload management.
