Future of participation: DGB demands new rights for works councils!

Future of participation: DGB demands new rights for works councils!

A fresh breeze for operational participation blows through Germany, especially in Cologne. The DGB District Berlin-Brandenburg recently welcomed the Federal Council's initiative to modernize operational co-determination. Due to a joint motion for resolution, which was also brought in by the state of Brandenburg, there are changes in front of the door to update the legal foundations for the work of works councils. Nele Techen, the deputy chair of the DGB Berlin-Brandenburg, sums it up: the challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) and the climate-friendly conversion of the economy demand new regulations. These are intended to enable an extended participation that strengthens trust in change and at the same time promotes competitiveness.

The DGB expects the new federal government to actively take up the initiative and further develop the participation. This is a step that the unions and the DGB want to accompany constructively. It is emphasized how important concrete reform measures are to meet the expectations of the employees.

artificial intelligence in focus

But what does that mean specifically for the use of artificial intelligence in everyday work? AI is no longer just a bustle specter, 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 reserved for human thinking, for example in areas such as healthcare, finance and marketing. This technology can not only automate monotonous tasks, but also enables employees to concentrate on creative activities, which increases the quality of work and satisfaction.

But caution is advised here: While AI has many advantages, she 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 has the task of monitoring compliance with these legal requirements and can also take legal action if necessary to protect the rights of employees. In addition, works councils can work with AI experts to develop training measures and create guidelines for AI use.

The European Ki Ordinance

The focus of the debate is also the European Ordinance on Artificial Intelligence. This regulation sets strict standards and stipulates that AI systems in the civilian area must be operated safely, transparently and non-discriminatory. Protecting the fundamental rights and interests of the employees is the top goal here. The Ordinance is just in time, because it provides that there are extensive accountability obligations for high-risk AI systems-which, for example, classify applicants or make recommendations for qualification measures.

With the new rules that come into force from August 2026, the controls are particularly strengthened by supervisory authorities. From August 2027, operators of Hoch-Risiko systems must present a fundamental rights of follow-up assessment. This offers works and personnel councils important information about the systems and their risks and ensures the right to co-determine when using AI software.

In this way, automated decision-making processes are 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 operational use if it is in the interest of the employees. These decisive regulations ensure that despite the technological change, employee rights remain.

summarized Cologne at an exciting turning point where the developments in the modern working world must be actively shaped. The cooperation between works councils and the employees will be crucial to use the opportunities of digitization and at the same time remain fair and transparent.

For more information, visit the pages of the DGB, the DGB Bildungswerk and the TBS North Rhine-Westphalia: DGB District Berlin-Brandenburg , DGB Bildungswerk , tbs northrhein-westfalen .