AEI Works Councils

The works councils in Hannover and Potsdam represents the interests of employees towards the management of the institute. It monitors compliance with the statutory regulations affecting them, protects them from disadvantages and helps to improve the common working environment at the institute.

The tasks and duties of the works council are laid down in the Works Constitution Act and are divided into three areas: Monitoring, protection and organisation.

Monitoring

to ensure that laws, regulations, accident prevention regulations, collective agreements and works agreements applicable to employees are correctly implemented.

Protection

Protection and support for all employees in defending against disadvantages

Organisation

Representation of interests, i.e., applying to the institute management for measures that serve the company and its staff. In particular, the promotion of women, severely disabled persons, older and foreign employees, and other persons in need of protection; environmental protection, work life balance,...

What specific tasks does the works council have?

• Representing the interests of all employees towards the management of the institute
• Accompanying employees to employee interviews (if desired by employees)
• Monitoring compliance with laws, regulations, collective agreements, works agreements, etc. on behalf of the employees.
• Protection and support for all employees in defending against disadvantages
• Promoting the reconciliation of family and working life
• Promoting the integration of foreign workers, combating racism and xenophobia
• Promoting and safeguarding employment
• Promotion of occupational health and safety and in-house environmental protection

To carry out these tasks, the Works Constitution Act provides the works council with certain rights.

• Right of co-determination: The management of the institute and the works council must reach agreement in order to implement certain measures: e.g. company rules, distribution of bonuses,...
• Right of objection or obligation to consent: certain decisions are only possible with the agreement of the works council: e.g. hiring, decision about wage levels, transfer, changes of wage levels,...
• Obligation to accept advice: the management of the institute must consult with the works council and accept proposals before taking any action: Planning of work processes, workplaces, technical facilities
• Information right: the management of the institute must inform the works council comprehensively and in good time and on request
• Right to be heard: the management of the institute must consult and hear the works council before making a decision: termination by the employer

All employees can get involved and participate in the work of the works council.

• Right of proposal: Suggest topics for consultation
• Right to appeal directly to the works council in cases of perceived unfair treatment, discrimination or other impairment
• Right of appeal to the institute management: the works council may be consulted
• Right to convene a works meeting (supported by 25% of colleagues)
• Candidacy for the works council in the elections taking place every four years