What does works councils’ right to take initiative involve?

The works council doesn’t need to just react on advice or consent requests by the director but it can also take initiatives. The works council can point out subjects for discussion to the director both during and outside consultation meetings. The director will then be required to consult with the works council about the subjects.

If the works council has addressed the subject outside the consultation meeting, the director will have to notify the works council as quickly as possible about what the director intends to do in response to the initiative. By means of this still rarely-exercised right the works council can play an active role.