Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 28 FEBRUARY 2020

A Guide To Digital Technology And The Works Council In German Workplaces

Ius Laboris
Explore more from Ius Laboris

How far do works councils in Germany get a say on the introduction of new technology with monitoring capability? This article provides some guidance.

GermanyEmployment and HR
Tomislav Santon (Kliemt.HR Lawyers)
Tomislav Santon (Kliemt.HR Lawyers)

How far do works councils in Germany get a say on the introduction of new technology with monitoring capability? This article provides some guidance.

The speed of digital change is remarkable. In order to remain competitive, companies need to drive and implement the necessary adjustments quickly. However, the decision to introduce new technologies is not solely up to the employer. The right of co-determination under s87(1) no. 6 of the Industrial Relations Act gives the works council far-reaching scope for participation in company decision-making. Our article explains to what extent a rapid digitalisation of operational processes is possible against this background.

German companies can’t opt out of digital progress

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

Germany’s Pension Reform 2026: What The Commission's Recommendations Mean For HR And Restructuring Practice

Germany's Pension Commission has proposed sweeping reforms that would fundamentally reshape retirement planning, workforce transitions, and employment structures. From dynamic retirement ages linked to life expectancy to the potential elimination of the senior part-time block model and minijobs, these recommendations carry profound implications for employers navigating restructuring, social plans, and pension commitments.
GermanyEmployment and HR
A&O Shearman
A&O Shearman
Article

Coalition Package July 2026: What The Planned Reforms Mean For Your Company

Germany's coalition government has proposed sweeping reforms to employment law that would fundamentally alter fixed-term contracts, dismissal protections, employee co-determination, and sick leave requirements. The package aims to strengthen Germany's competitive position amid technological change and demographic pressures, offering employers expanded flexibility while maintaining worker protections. These initiatives signal the most significant restructuring of German labor law in years, with implications
GermanyEmployment and HR
PwC Legal Germany
PwC Legal Germany
Article

Part VI: Internal Investigations: Role And Rights Of Employee Representatives

German works councils hold binding co-determination rights over monitoring systems, staff questionnaires, and personnel measures in internal investigations. This guide maps the statutory triggers under the Works Constitution Act, explains when system-level consent differs from case-level information duties, and shows how to balance speed and confidentiality with mandatory consultation—without automatically losing evidence in court.
GermanyEmployment and HR
Mayer Brown
Mayer Brown
Article

Koalitionspaket Juli 2026: Was die geplanten Reformen für Ihr Unternehmen bedeuten

Germany's coalition government has proposed sweeping reforms to employment law that could fundamentally reshape fixed-term contracts, dismissal protection, co-determination rights, and sick leave reporting. The measures aim to strengthen Germany's competitiveness amid technological change, demographic pressure, and international competition, offering employers significantly expanded flexibility while tightening certain compliance requirements.
GermanyEmployment and HR
PwC Legal Germany
PwC Legal Germany
Article

AI Regulation In The US: The New State Laws Employers Can’t Ignore

As US state legislatures conclude their 2026 sessions, artificial intelligence regulation has transitioned from an emerging policy area to a mainstream compliance obligation. This comprehensive analysis examines the patchwork of enacted AI legislation across consumer transparency, healthcare, and employment sectors, revealing what businesses operating across state lines must prioritize in the second half of the year.
United StatesEmployment and HR
Ius Laboris
Ius Laboris
Article

The world court has spoken: What the ICJ’s ‘Right to Strike’ opinion means for Australian employers

The International Court of Justice has issued a landmark advisory opinion confirming that the right to strike is protected under ILO Convention No. 87, a treaty Australia ratified in 1973. While this opinion doesn't immediately change Australian domestic law, it creates a significant new reference point that unions may leverage in litigation, enterprise bargaining, and industrial relations reform discussions. Australian employers face potential challenges to existing Fair Work Act restrictions on protected
AustraliaEmployment and HR
Ius Laboris
Ius Laboris