Works councils as actors in collective bargaining: Derogations and the development of codetermination in the German chemical and metalworking industries

Abstract

Plant-level derogations from collective bargaining agreements are posing new challenges for works councils. Works councils have to cope with new roles as actors in collective bargaining. The article analyses the changes in the practice of codetermination going alongside derogations. In a nutshell it can be said that works councils, although being in a defensive situation, have shown an astonishing capacity for strengthening their bargaining position by coordinating negotiations with the unions and by organizing support among the employees. In this last respect, conflict-oriented and participative strategies seem to be more promising than other strategies.