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Gebt 8! Demo und Kundgebung zur 2. Tarifverhandlung in München

Themen & Menschen
Mitbestimmung

Mitbestimmung im Betrieb ist gelebte Demokratie. Die IG Metall setzt sich für mehr Rechte von Betriebsräten ein.

Mitbestimmung in Bayern
Better with a Works Council
Aktuelles zur Mitbestimmung in Deutschland
Shirt mit der Aufschrift Gewerkschaft.

The ABCs of Works Council Elections Getting the Works Council Election Off to the Right Start

For the works council election to go smoothly, everything has to fall into place. Above all, it’s important to avoid pitfalls when organizing the election. Our ABC provides an overview of what matters most in a works council election.

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2026 Works Council Election Works Council Elections: 75 Percent for IG Metall So Far

Despite difficult times: In the 2026 works council elections, with votes counted from half of the companies in IG Metall’s sectors, approximately 75 percent of the votes went to IG Metall. This represents a slight increase compared to the last election (2022: 71.9 percent).

Mitarbeiter mit Lernschwäche im Betrieb

2026 Elections for Representatives of Severely Disabled Employees All employees benefit from a strong SBV

Elections for the representatives of employees with severe disabilities are scheduled for October and November. Preparations are already underway. Many companies are looking for candidates.

Rollstuhlgerechter Arbeitsplatz

SBV Elections 2026 Questions and Answers About the SBV

The Representative Body for Employees with Severe Disabilities (SBV) represents the interests of employees with severe disabilities and those deemed equivalent within the company. We have compiled the most important information regarding their work.

Betriebsräte von ZF Friedrichshafen in Ahrweiler im Gespräch mit einem Kollegen

Employees Have a Say How co-determination works in the workplace—and what it achieves

Employees in German companies have co-determination rights. This is democracy in the workplace and also benefits companies. How we can expand co-determination—and where it is currently under threat.

Der neue BR-Wahlvorstand bei Paragon mit Karl Musiol von der IG Metall Oberland (rote Jacke)

Despite Layoffs Paragon: Works council election enforced by a bailiff

Among other things, they manufacture the mechanism for the Rolls-Royce hood ornament “Emily”—some of them for nothing more than the minimum wage. Now, at Paragon in Landsberg am Lech, they’re finally electing a works council, against all odds: a wave of layoffs followed. But with the help of IG Metall, they asserted their rights.

Tesla Gigafactory Grünheide

Union Busting Works Council Election at Tesla: IG Metall Second-Strongest Force Despite Threats

In the works council election at the Tesla Gigafactory, IG Metall received the second-highest number of votes despite all of Elon Musk’s attacks and threats. However, the active members and elected works council representatives on the IG Metall slate intend to continue fighting with all their might for better working conditions.

Gruppe Metaller vom „Team IG Metall“

2026 Works Council Election Vote for the Works Council—Make Team IG Metall Strong

A works council makes the workplace safer, better, and healthier. Works councils supported by IG Metall’s advice, guidance, and training achieve more. So: Go vote. Make our “Team IG Metall” strong.

Aktion bei MAN Salzgitter

The Fight for Our Industry MAN Salzgitter’s location and future secured

Group management had planned to relocate operations and lay off up to 1,300 employees starting in January 2027. However, jobs at MAN Truck & Bus in Salzgitter are now secured through at least 2035. In addition, employees, the works council, and IG Metall secured investments and a say in the transformation process.

Mobiles Betriebsratsbüro im Wohnwagen bei Stöger

Union Busting | Works Council Harassment Works Council Opens Office in a Trailer

For four weeks, the works council chair at Stöger Automation worked from a trailer outside the plant. Management had barred him from the premises. Following a settlement in court, he is allowed back inside. However, the engineer is not allowed to work—and therefore receives no salary.

"Nötig sind konkrete Maßnahmen, um Belastungen spürbar zu senken", Gundi Fetze, Betriebsräting bei BSH in Giengen und Dirk-Peter Kasat.

Better with a Works Council Run for the 2026 works council election now

Works council members have special rights that allow them to protect their colleagues. They make workplaces safer, better, and healthier. Without representation of workers’ interests, democracy and the rule of law often end at the factory gate. The next works council elections are coming up—strengthen the “IG Metall Team.”

Beschäftigte bei Boge in Simmern feiern - und übergeben die Flamme der Solidarität an Musashi

A Future for Our Industry | Boge Simmern Relocation the other way around—from China to Simmern

Their plant was scheduled to close in 2026. That was the announcement made last November by the management of the automotive supplier Boge Rubber & Plastics in Simmern. But through warning strikes, they forced the company to enter into collective bargaining negotiations—and secured the relocation of railroad spare parts from China to Simmern.

Running as “Team IG Metall”

Are you a works council member who needs posters and other materials for your election campaign? Then you’ll find plenty of tips and digital tools for the 2026 works council election on our Active Members Portal.

  • Überblick über die verschiedenen Wahlverfahren

  • Antworten auf juristische Fragen

  • Arbeitshilfen für Wahlvorstände

  • Und vieles mehr ...

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