Berlin's tech workers are quietly rewriting the rules of workplace power
Berlin's tech industry is seeing a quiet but growing shift in worker power. Nearly 20,000 employees now have works council representation, reversing a long decline in such protections. The change comes as tech workers push back against rigid hierarchies, unclear pay structures, and job insecurity.
A new book, Challenging Corporate Autocracy, examines how worker influence can expand, building on the ideas of labour leader Otto Brenner. It's available as a free download, offering insights into the movement reshaping Berlin's tech scene.
The push for better conditions began in 2019 with the founding of the Berlin Tech Workers Coalition (TWC). Unlike traditional unions such as IG Metall or ver.di, the TWC focuses on grassroots support tailored to international tech workers. It helps employees network, share strategies, and launch works council elections—often in companies where such structures didn't exist before.
By 2024, the group had assisted in 25 works council elections across major firms. These included Spotify, TikTok, Zalando, and Delivery Hero, as well as Mercedes-Benz's software division. One milestone was the first-ever works council at HelloFresh's Kreuzberg office in 2023, supported by TWC's consulting and mentorship.
The TWC and unions operate with a clear division of labour. Workers usually initiate action, while unions provide legal and strategic backing. This approach gained momentum in 2023 when TikTok employees staged warning strikes—the first major labour action in Berlin's tech sector. The move challenged the industry's image of being a harmonious, family-like workplace.
Remote work has become another battleground. Some companies are cutting flexible options, making collective bargaining essential for protecting these rights. Yet despite growing interest in unions, many workers hesitate to join. They often see little direct benefit or doubt whether unions can deliver real improvements in pay, job security, or working conditions.
The rise of works councils in Berlin's tech industry reflects a broader demand for fairness and transparency. With 20,000 employees now represented, the movement has gained visible ground. The TWC's grassroots model and the 2023 strikes at TikTok suggest that worker organising is no longer a fringe effort—it's becoming a permanent part of the sector.
The free book Challenging Corporate Autocracy adds to the discussion by linking current struggles to long-standing labour principles. Its release coincides with a period where tech workers are increasingly turning to collective action to secure their rights.
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