Industrial action and workers’ co-determination (works councils)

In many branches, employees have united in unions. Unions enter into collective labour agreements with employers(‘ associations). The unions can exert pressure on employers by organizing industrial actions, like strikes. These actions could potentially lead to substantial damages and demand a quick response. At the level of the undertaking, the employees’ interests are looked after by the works council. The works council has particular rights, such as the rights of advice and of consent.