100 Years of the Works Council Act and Current Participation of Employees in Germany

Abstract TIn Germany, the first Works Council Act came into force at the beginning of 1920. After it was suspended in 1934, the Allied Control Council reintroduced co-determination in 1946 and it was finally established after several reforms. However, while co-determination is firmly anchored in large companies, medium-sized companies tend to opt for less institutionalised forms of participation. However, the change in work organisation through crowdworking, teleworking and solo self-employment poses new challenges for company cooperation. At present, however, it is not yet apparent that works councils are unable to respond appropriately to these challenges with the powers already laid down in the works constitution. The anniversary should be an occasion for more intensive research and discussion on the future of the German works constitution and alternative forms of participation that are being practiced.