The size of the works council depends on the number of employees in the establishment and ranges from one to 31 for establishments with 9,000 employees. For larger establishments two additional members are added for each increment of 3,000 employees. Dependent on the number of employees some members of the works council have to be released from their work duties. In establishments with more than 10,000 employees one further member has to be released for each additional fraction of 2,0000 employees. These works councils have different rights to codetermine certain kinds of decisions with the management.
Financial matters are subject to information by the employer.
The Works Councils field of activity has changed dramatically, The main focus of the meetings of the works council meanwhile is on questions of employment, the safeguarding of jobs , environmental protection or qualification. The works councils position is to be strengthened by expanding its rights in social matters. It moreover intends to expand the individual rights of each employee by a strengthened participation in the works constitution. The until now rigid structures of works councils can be brought into line with the flexible organisation of companies by collective bargaining or by a works agreements. To facilitate the creation of works councils in small establishments up to 50 employees, elections can be held in two-steps within one week.