Frankfurt am Main – IG Metall welcomes today’s adoption of a resolution in the Federal Council to strengthen the participation and to give works councils contemporary rights and opportunities.
The Federal Government is now to be asked to modernize the company participation and to reform the Works Constitution Act. The resolution contains central claims that IG Metall also formulated with the DGB in a comprehensive draft reform on the Works Constitution Act.
Christiane Benner, first chairman of IG Metall, illustrates the need for action: “The Works Constitution Act has not been fundamentally reformed for over 50 years. The world of work from back then has to do with the world of work of today as much as a bobby car with a Ferrari. The colleagues on the works councils need right -wing rights with which they can make digitization, artificial intelligence and further training. We deserve contemporary legal regulations that you can use for good and safe work!
IG Metall has been intensively committed to a fundamental reform and modernization of co -determination for years. The works council statement law 2021 can therefore only be a start with a view to the constantly and fundamentally changing world of work. The union emphasizes above all the importance of the following aspects for a reform:
Strengthen participation – design transformation
The world of work is constantly changing: digitization, artificial intelligence, transformation to a climate -neutral industry and new work models present employees and works councils with new challenges. IG Metall therefore calls for a fundamental modernization of the Works Constitution Act to make co -determination future -proof. Works councils must be able to have a say in strategic decisions such as qualification, employment security and environmental protection. Co -determination is essential, especially in fundamental change processes.
AI only with co -determination
Artificial intelligence gains importance in the world of work every day. A central concern of IG Metall for the further development of the participation is therefore binding co -determination rights when introducing and using AI. The protection of employee data must be guaranteed and designed together with the works councils. The opportunities of AI can only be exploited if the employees help shape.
Faciliate works council work-fight Union-Busting
IG Metall has long been calling for the establishment of works councils to make it easier and to consistently pursue targeted disabilities and preventations-so-called “Union-Busting”. Violations must be treated as an official offense and protection against dismissal for initiators of works council elections. The hurdles for legal works council elections are far too high. Your use for social cohesion deserves recognition and support.
Enable digital participation
In order to ensure co -determination in modern and digital work contexts, a digital right of access from the unions is required to the companies. Where digitally work and communication, leaflets and black boards can no longer be the contemporary means of choice. Works councils and unions must be equipped with funds and entries that are up to date.
Further information:
You can find the Reform draft from IG Metall, ver.di and DGB here: https://www.teamigmetall.de/initiative-mitstunrei/wissen/reform-s- draft