Cycling tour strengthens exchange: focus on the health sector!

Cycling tour strengthens exchange: focus on the health sector!

An exciting bike tour that took place from May 23rd to 26th, 2025 brought together committed works councils and employees from the healthcare industry and promoted important exchanges among themselves. The tour was organized by the Spree-Neiße district association, which planned the route from Cottbus via Forst and Guben to Frankfurt (Oder), a total of around 170 kilometers. What at first glance sounds like a sporting challenge turned out to be a valuable opportunity for networking and discussion about key topics in the health sector.

A particularly notable highlight of the tour was the open conversation with the works council representatives of the Spremberg Hospital. The visits to the Lausitzklinik Forst and the Naemi-Wilke-Stift Guben underlined the importance of personal exchange on site. Important topics such as the working situation of the employees and the collaboration with the Lausitz Medical University “Carl Thiem” (MUL-CT) could be discussed here. These direct discussions are crucial in order to be able to respond even more effectively to the challenges in the industry, according to the participants.

The role of the works council and the union

In Germany, works councils and trade unions play a central role in representing the interests of employees. Both institutions are committed to protecting the rights and interests of employees. But what are the exact differences and similarities?

Works councils are the elected representatives of a workforce within a company. You have the right to participate in decision-making processes that affect working conditions, working hours and compensation. The Works Constitution Act (BetrVG) regulates the co-determination rights of works councils, which often work closely with the unions to represent the interests of their colleagues. The regular training and advice that works councils receive from the unions are particularly important. This collaboration ensures that both sides benefit from each other and can pursue their common goals more efficiently, as smart-br.net states.

Trade unions, on the other hand, operate at a supra-company level and are responsible for collective bargaining. They advocate for the interests of a specific industry or professional group and can initiate dispute resolution procedures, for example in the form of strikes. Another important aspect is supporting members in legal matters. While the works council works within a company, the union is focused on acting on a broader level and, for example, negotiating collective agreements.

Exchange as the key to success

The findings from the bike tour illustrate how indispensable direct contact between works councils and unions is for successful interest representation. Synergies are created through close collaboration, which not only improves communication within the workforce, but also increases employee satisfaction and motivation. In the future, an event is planned after the summer holidays, which will enable further discussions and exchange between the DGB Spree-Neiße district association and the works councils of the three hospitals. The focus here is on the working situation of the employees and the strategic cooperation with the MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF LAUSITZ.

This committed network of works councils and unions shows that exchange and cooperation are not only important, but can actually make a difference. Especially in times of a shortage of skilled workers, it is crucial that employees' voices are heard and their needs are taken into account in the decision-making processes.