Trade Union Sees Democracy Gap in Works Councils - Brandenburg leaders push for stronger worker councils ahead of 2026 elections
Brandenburg’s Minister-President Dietmar Woidke and Economics Minister Daniel Keller have called for stronger worker representation in companies. Speaking at the Brandenburg Works Council Conference, they stressed the importance of democratic participation ahead of the 2026 works council elections. The event brought together 150 works council members and union representatives to discuss workplace democracy.
The conference highlighted a significant gap in worker representation across Brandenburg. Katja Karger, head of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) for Berlin-Brandenburg, described the situation as a 'democratic deficit'. She pointed out that only around six percent of companies in the region currently have a works or staff council.
The conference underscored the need for broader worker representation in Brandenburg’s economy. With only a small fraction of companies having works councils, union leaders and government officials are pushing for change. The 2026 elections will be a key moment to address this gap and strengthen workplace democracy.
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