The Deutscher BetriebsräteTag 2024, at which EZA was once again represented with a stand, was dedicated to the topics of democracy and co-determination. The event paid tribute to the work of works councils that stand up for employee rights in companies and make a decisive contribution to democratic culture in the process. Awards were given to works councils that have distinguished themselves through special commitment and creative solutions.
Gold: The works council of Siemens AG received gold for the project ‘Protect Democracy, Strengthen Basic Values’ (IG Metall).
Silver: The works council network of the chemical site in Stade won silver with the project ‘Site Alliance Stade: Innovative Interpretation of §92a BetrVG’ (IGBCE).
Bronze: Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe won bronze with the project ‘Securing skilled workers throughout the group during the transformation’ (ver.di).
Audience Award: The project ‘Job preservation through solidarity’ by BR and GlaxoSmithKline's employers was awarded the audience prize (IGBCE).
Special prize ‘Shaping working hours together’: Deutsche Telekom Service's project received this prize for the project ‘Fair distribution of working hours’ (ver.di).
Special project ‘Transformation mitbestimmen’: The project ‘Weiterbildungsmentor:innen sichern Zukunft’ (training mentors secure the future) by the works council of Böklunder Fleisch und Wurstwaren GmbH & Co. KG was honoured for its commitment in this category (NGG).
Special project ‘Mitbestimmung erweitern’: The Daimler Truck AG works council was honoured for its project ‘From European to World Works Council’.
High-profile guest contributions from Joachim Gauck and Hendrik Wüst
One of the highlights was the contribution of former Federal President Joachim Gauck. In his speech, he emphasised that works councils and trade unions fulfil fundamental functions in a democratic society. They not only protect workers' rights, but are also a bulwark against authoritarian tendencies and ensure social peace. Hendrik Wüst, Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, also emphasised the importance of cooperation between employers and employee representatives in order to create a fair working environment and strengthen Germany as a business location.
Focus on co-determination: debate between Dennis Radtke and Ronja Endres
A lively discussion developed between Dennis Radtke (CDU), Member of the European Parliament, and Ronja Endres (SPD), Deputy Chairwoman of the Bavarian Labour Union (afa Bayern), who are both committed to employee rights at the European and national level. The debate emphasised the importance of co-determination in companies and how employee rights should be shaped in the future. Both stressed that strong works councils and trade unions are necessary to counter precarious employment relationships and to represent employee interests at the national and European level.
The importance of works councils for democracy
Works councils and trade unions play a key role in the democratic structure of the world of work. They not only promote co-determination and fairness, but also work against abuses, advocate for more justice in the workplace and thus contribute to social stability. The 2024 German Works Council Conference impressively underscored how irreplaceable these institutions are in defending democratic principles and working for a fairer society.