Germany: works councils will be elected from March 1 to May 31

Elections in every company with 5 or more employees. A works council may be elected in every establishment employing 5 or more workers, provided that the latter want it. If no worker takes the initiative, there won’t be an election. Thus, it isn’t rare to see large businesses with thousands of employees but without a WC, notably in retailing. The elections are organized by a election committee (Wahlvorstand) appointed either by the existing WC or during a staff meeting, or by a labor court. This election committee needs to be appointed at least ten weeks before the end of the term of office of the current WC members this is why preparations have already started in many firms. The elections are held by direct suffrage and with a secret ballot. Every worker aged at least 18 can vote, and every worker who has been in the company for at least 6 months can run for office.