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Works council elections 2026 – Training of election committees for works council elections

Regular works council elections will take place again between 1 March 2026 and 31 May 2026 (Section 13 (1) BetrVG). No later than 10 weeks before the end of its term of office, the works council shall appoint an election committee consisting of at least three members (Section 16 (1) BetrVG).

In order to avoid mistakes in the conduct of the election, it is imperative that the appointed election committees be trained. Pursuant to Section 37 (6) BetrVG in conjunction with Section 20 (3) BetrVG, the knowledge to be imparted is required for all those involved in the preparation and conduct of the works council election. Depending on prior knowledge, a 1- or 2-day seminar is offered by forba as in-house training. Regardless of the number of participants, a fee of EUR 2,400 per seminar day, plus travel and accommodation costs, will be charged. If required, the seminar can also take place at the forba premises in Berlin.

The seminar uses the latest methods of knowledge transfer, which also enable interactive participation by the participants. The offer includes comprehensive documentation and materials that enable the election to be conducted in a legally compliant manner. The forba speakers have many years of experience in conducting seminars and communicating even complex issues. They can also draw on a wealth of experience in advising and supporting works councils.

We are happy to answer any questions you may have on 030 786010 or at forba@forba.de .

Description of the seminar content

The following outline provides a rough overview of the possible seminar content.

  1. General
    1. The concept of a business under works constitution law
    2. The concept of an employee
  2. Election committee
    1. Appointment
    2. Composition
    3. Term of office
    4. Management
    5. Resolution
  3. Active and passive voting rights
    1. Eligible voters
    2. Eligibility
  4. Election principles
    1. Secret and direct election
    2. Group voting and joint voting
    3. Majority voting (personal voting) and proportional representation (list voting)
  5. Tasks of the election committee before the election
    1. Compiling the electoral roll
    2. The allocation procedure in accordance with Section 18a BetrVG
    3. Determining the size and composition of the works council
    4. Issuing the election notice
    5. Interpretation of the electoral roll and the election rules
    6. Submission and processing of election proposals
  6. The election process
    1. Personal voting
    2. Postal voting
    3. Counting of votes and determination of the election result
  7. Tasks of the election committee after the election
    1. Minutes of the election result
    2. Notification of the elected candidates
    3. Announcement
    4. Convening the constituent meeting of the works council
  8. Contesting and nullifying an election
  9. Costs of the election
  10. Election protection
  11. The simplified election procedure