Works committee

Works committee, also known as Works council is a permanent body created by elections from employees' representatives, based on legal conditions or collective agreements. Works committee speaks for all the company's workers in a given place of work, regardless of their status as members of a union and it deals with presenting the issues and problems of the company's employees at the local level. It is a very useful instrument during collective bargaining because the Council is familiar with the special situation of employers. Works committees are also called consulative committees, office committees or joint panels.

Works council deals with contacts between individuals representing company's employees and representatives of the employer or the employer itself. During such consultations, the parties talk about current issues of the company, about the problems and also exchange their opinions. Employees during such meetings have the opportunity to share their opinions on a specific topic and have their share in making decisions by the company's authorities. Thanks to the existence of the employees' committee, they have the possibility for better communication with the employer, and thus the reduction of conflicts and misunderstandings, as well as their quick resolution and additionally, thanks to the legislation, employees have more bargaining power.

Council members should be elected by employees whose interests they will represent. If a company has its own, established structure of trade unions, then several of its representatives may become members of the council in accordance with the law or, if necessary, elections may take place, and representatives of trade unions may also be candidates for councils. The main goal of works committee is to promote cooperation between employees and authorities in the company, for the benefit of the company and the creation of stable and enabling employment conditions, safety of all employees and helping them understand the operations taking place in the company, the basics of finance and competitiveness. Works council can also have a big influence on job satisfaction.

Fig.1. How to set up an efficient works commitee?

Example of Works committee

The Works Committee at ABC Company is a group of employees and employers who are responsible for ensuring that the workplace meets all applicable safety, health, and welfare regulations. The committee is responsible for investigating any complaints that arise, ensuring that the workplace is in compliance with all regulations, developing and implementing plans to ensure worker safety, and resolving disputes between workers, employers and other stakeholders. Additionally, the Works Committee is responsible for promoting best practices in the workplace, such as encouraging workers to take safety precautions and following safety protocols. By taking these steps, the Works Committee is helping to ensure that ABC Company is a safe and healthy work environment for all employees, and that their rights are respected.

Tasks and duties of the Works committee

Works committee is responsible for:

• controlling and continuous checking of labor law, work safety, health and safety regulations,
• taking radical steps when the employer does not respect the employee's rights,
• giving current information about the company's activities, achievements, employment and everything that affects the company and employees,
• the right to jointly decide about the company and manage together with the company's authorities.

There can be also other tasks that a Works Committee carries out:

• Investigating and responding to complaints from workers about workplace safety, health and welfare and making recommendations for corrective action.
• Ensuring that the workplace meets the applicable legal requirements for health, safety and welfare and that they are adhered to.
• Developing and implementing a plan to ensure the safety, health and welfare of workers in the workplace.
• Assisting in resolving disputes between workers, employers and other stakeholders.
• Promoting cooperation and collaboration between workers, employers and other stakeholders.
• Encouraging the adoption of best practices in the workplace.

When to use Works committee

A Works Committee is typically used when the employer wishes to ensure that the workplace complies with safety, health and welfare regulations, as well as to assist in resolving disputes between workers. It is also used to promote cooperation and collaboration between workers, employers and other stakeholders, and to encourage the adoption of best practices in the workplace. Works Committees are also often used to ensure that workers are provided with a safe and healthy working environment, and that their rights are respected.

Effectiveness of the Works committee

Works councils are effective only when both parties are involved and care about proper relations between them. Managers have to take part in meetings and provide the necessary resources, such as money or time, to be sure that the roles entrusted are well fulfilled.

In addition, works councils are more effective thanks to:

• Constitution, discussed, created and approved by both parties or trade unions if necessary. This document defines, among others, the principles and rights of the council, the composition and objectives of the council, the method of selecting new representatives and the period of its establishment.
• The right number of people in the council can not be too small or too big. Too many people in the Council may cause problems with controlling the course of meetings as well as expressing all of the opinions. It is important to ensure that all the important representatives are included among the members.
• The chairman is the most important member of the committee, because as the person managing the meetings, the chairman will ensure that everyone can express their opinion and that discussions do not go beyond the topic of the meeting.
• Training in interpersonal skills for members is necessary for effective cooperation between members. It will allow them to quickly resolve conflicts and accept criticism.
• Regular meetings are necessary for the continuous involvement of all the members in the activities of the council and the company.
• Prior planning of topics and matters that are necessary to discuss during meetings. Such topics may concern: company's development, strategy or employment level.

Advantages of Works committee

The advantages of having a Works Committee in place are numerous. It helps to ensure that the rights of all workers are respected and that their safety, health and welfare are taken into account when making decisions. It also facilitates cooperation and collaboration between workers, employers and other stakeholders and helps to promote best practices in the workplace. Additionally, the Works Committee can help to resolve disputes between workers, employers and other stakeholders. This helps to create a positive working environment and ensures that all workers are treated fairly and with respect.

Limitations of Works committee

Works committees have several limitations, which include:

• Lack of enforcement powers - A works committee only has the power to make recommendations and cannot enforce them.
• Limited scope - A works committee is only responsible for issues related to workplace safety, health and welfare, and cannot address other issues.
• Limited resources - Works committees typically have limited resources, which can limit their ability to effectively address workplace safety, health and welfare issues.
• Limited influence - A works committee typically does not have much influence over the decisions made by employers or other stakeholders, which can limit its effectiveness.

Other approaches related to Works committee

In addition to the tasks outlined above, there are other approaches that can be taken to ensure the safety, health and welfare of workers. These include:

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive workplace safety, health and welfare policy.
• Creating and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment by providing adequate resources, training and support for workers.
• Providing regular safety, health and welfare inspections.
• Establishing and maintaining effective communication between workers, employers and other stakeholders.
• Promoting the adoption of best practices in all areas of the workplace.

These approaches are all important in making sure that the workplace is safe and healthy for all workers. By taking these steps, the Works Committee can ensure that the workplace complies with applicable legal requirements and that the workers are kept safe. In addition, these approaches help to promote cooperation and collaboration between workers, employers and other stakeholders, which can further improve the safety, health and welfare of the workplace.

Footnotes

Works committee — recommended articles

Voivode — Staff authority — Shop steward — Works council — Group contract — Scope of activities — Disciplinary procedure — Adaptation process — Board

References

• ACAS advisory booklet (2008) Representation at work, United Kingdom, p. 7-8
• Baradel A., Carley M., Welz C., (2005) Works councils. Workplace representation and participation structures European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, Dublin, p. 7-8
• Deshpande A.D., Geet S.D., (2009) Human Resource Management, Nirali Prakashan, p. 8-13
• Dietz G., Kougiannou K., Redman T., (2015) The Outcomes of Works Councils: The role of Trust, Justice and Industrial Relations Climate, Human Resource Management Journal
• Helmut Schmitt A., (2013) "What do works councils do for employees? p.61-65
• Jevtic M., (2012), The role of Works Councils and Trade Unions in representing interests of the employees in EU member states, Regional Project for Labour Relations and Social Dialogue in South East Europe, Belgrade

Author: Justyna Wicek