Future of co-determination: DGB demands new rights for works councils!

Future of co-determination: DGB demands new rights for works councils!

A fresh breeze for company co-determination is blowing through Germany, especially in Cologne. The DGB Berlin-Brandenburg district recently welcomed the Federal Council's initiative to modernize company co-determination. Thanks to a joint motion for a resolution, which was also submitted by the state of Brandenburg, among others, changes are imminent that are intended to update the legal basis for the work of works councils. Nele Techen, the deputy chairwoman of the DGB Berlin-Brandenburg, puts it in a nutshell: The challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) and the climate-friendly restructuring of the economy require new regulations. These are intended to enable expanded co-determination, which strengthens trust in times of change and at the same time promotes competitiveness.

The DGB expects that the new federal government will actively take up the initiative and further develop co-determination. This is a step that the unions and the DGB want to support constructively. It emphasizes the importance of concrete reform measures in order to meet the expectations of employees.

Artificial intelligence in focus

But what does this actually mean for the use of artificial intelligence in everyday work? AI is no longer just a bogeyman, but is used in many industries to optimize processes and support decision-making. The DGB Bildungswerk reports that AI systems are taking on tasks that were once the preserve of human thinking, for example in areas such as healthcare, finance and marketing. This technology can not only automate monotonous tasks, but also allows employees to focus on creative activities, increasing work quality and satisfaction.

But caution is advised here: While AI brings many advantages, it can also endanger jobs. It is therefore essential that works councils are actively involved in the planning and implementation of AI projects in order to protect the interests of the workforce. Data protection and anti-discrimination play a central role. The works council is responsible for monitoring compliance with these legal requirements and, if necessary, can also take legal action to protect the rights of employees. In addition, works councils can work with AI experts to develop training measures and create guidelines for the use of AI.

The European AI Regulation

The focus of the debate is also the European regulation on artificial intelligence, which came into force in the summer. This regulation sets strict standards and stipulates that AI systems in the civilian sector must be operated in a secure, transparent and non-discriminatory manner. The protection of the fundamental rights and interests of employees is the primary goal here. The regulation comes just in time, as it stipulates that high-risk AI systems - for example, classifying applicants or making recommendations for qualification measures - are subject to extensive accountability.

The new rules, which will come into force in August 2026, will primarily strengthen controls by supervisory authorities. From August 2027, operators of high-risk systems will have to submit a fundamental rights impact assessment. This offers works and staff councils important information about the systems and their risks and secures co-determination rights when using AI software.

In automated decision-making processes, it is increasingly being checked whether there is a violation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Permissible AI products can also be restricted or even prohibited in company use if it is in the interests of the employees. These crucial regulations ensure that employee rights are protected despite technological change.

In summary, Cologne is at an exciting turning point where developments in the modern working world must be actively shaped. Collaboration between works councils and employees will be crucial in order to take advantage of the opportunities offered by digitalization while remaining fair and transparent.

For further information, visit the DGB, DGB Bildungswerk and TBS North Rhine-Westphalia websites: DGB Berlin-Brandenburg district, DGB educational organization, TBS North Rhine-Westphalia.