History of Betriebsrat!

A vehicle to unanimous crafting of policies and taking decisions is like dreams come true for many companies, where there are two predominant groups functioning. One of which is a management group and the other one is s a workers’ group. Many of the companies wish to follow the Co-determination concept, which is mutually benefiting to both the groups, which in turn makes prosperity at the company. Making both the sides happy was a huge task faced by the companies. This big task was eased up with the entry of a council which basically aimed at striking a balance in an organization by representing the employees in the management’s decision making. This is basically considered as a tool for the interests of employees. This word is used in the context of the co-determination; it takes place on two levels. One of which is the “Aufsichtrat” this means “supervisory board” and the later is “Betriebsrat” meaning workers council.

Betriebsrat has a history which dates back to the period of World War II. In the year 1952 the rights of codetermination were extended for the council. The origin of this concept is found in the revolution in the year 1848/49. In the year 1860, for the first time worker committees were educated, which were the predecessors of the “advice for the enterprise”. Since then, the emergency service law from 1916 work councils became firm mechanisms in many enterprises. Till year 1919/1920, there were arguments over the rights of the workers in its enterprises, the result of which was the works council law, which was issued on 4th February. (Source “Qwika”) Since then these services have become a part of two thirds of German companies have availed of this impeccable service. The other companies have “Aufsichtrat”. Some very large companies have both these services.

Betriebsrat does not only represent the interests of workers, but also there are various other functions. Councilors grant highest respect to the judicial authorities of any country. They adhere strictly to the laws while discussing the policy making, equality amongst the organization is one of the priority tasks. Betriebsrat also trains and educate the workers for different activities in the management, thus giving them highlight about the functioning of a company. Through services of this, the workers also get to represent themselves in Trade unions.