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IV. Workplace democracy – The contradiction between discourses and practices from 1975 to 2000

Researcher: Anna-Katharina Conrad; Scientific coordinator: Manfred Wannöffel

Workplace democracy is a concept that has been examined from different perspectives, such as ethics or economics, as well as referring to citizenship and general representation rights. There are numerous arguments supporting workplace democracy. However, the reality that workers’ representatives perceive often looks different. This project will examine how the situation of workplace democracy is experienced by the actors of workers’ representation – mainly works councils as the main representatives on workplace level, but also trade union representatives. The contradictions of lived reality, academic discourse and political panel discussions will be investigated. Among others, a special focus will be directed at the changes induced by the economic and social transformation, the decline of trade union memberships or the rise of precarious work. 

For further information please contact the project team.