Labour Law Basics

Modern businesses promised a new work culture: flat hierarchies, creative expression, fun, and freely negotiated salaries; a shift away from top-down decision-making, toward personal initiative and fulfillment. Indeed, corporate culture has changed, but problems didn’t just suddenly vanish. There are tight schedules and deadlines, an increasing workload, overtime, expectations of constant availability, unreliable planning, temporary contracts, and a lack of regulatory transparency. After initial enthusiasm at a new job, things often sober up. This is when a works council no longer looks quite so obsolete, and a union would be a cool thing to have.

We represent the interests of everyone working in the industries we cover, including the tech sector. Together, we push for better working conditions:

• good salaries
• transparent salary schemes that guarantee fair compensation for all
• extra pay for night and weekend shifts
• shorter working hours [or: working time] and sensible overtime compensation schemes
• self-determination concerning time and place of work
• opportunities for professional development
• fair working conditions
• a positive workplace atmosphere
• support in case of dismissal and other problems involving labor law
• help with other issues that can be annoying, such as tax returns and tenancy laws

In Germany, unions are recognized legally, socially, and politically. The right to organize and engage in unions is a civil liberty guaranteed by the constitution. Membership in unions is voluntary and can remain confidential. No-one has to tell their employer.

Our most reliable tools are collective bargaining agreements. That’s because we can negotiate them independently once enough employees in a business or industry join and give us a mandate. Unlike works councils, we can call a strike to push for our demands. We support and connect works councils – even with international partners – from initial organizing efforts to successful company-level agreements.

We believe in two principles: codetermination (Mitbestimmung, i.e., worker participation) and solidarity. We believe democracy is more than just a general election every few years. If you can work, you can take part in the decision-making. Without strong unions, the struggle for social justice and democracy in the economy and throughout our society will not succeed. Democracy means codetermination – regarding your work, your time, and thus your life.

We do this democratically and at eye level. We are not into top-down decisions; we like working as a team. Together, we will find the best solutions. Together, we are strong enough to make our wishes a reality.

Join us!