Regular German works council elections take place every four years between 1 March and 31 May under section 13 BetrVG. 2026 is a regular election year. Proper preparation includes the electoral roll, the correct procedure and clear responsibilities.
Legal context and practical consequences
The relevant establishment and employee numbers must be identified before choosing the normal or simplified procedure. Employers provide required information and resources but must respect the independence of the election. Following the election, participation arrangements and existing works agreements need orderly continuity. Suspected errors require prompt assessment against the applicable challenge rules and time limits.
Preparing the review
Useful documents include organisation charts, establishment structures, current collective rules and a clear description of the proposed measure. Negotiated terms should address scope, implementation, review, termination and transition. For technical systems, specify access and permitted uses; for personnel measures, coordinate collective procedures with individual requirements.
Four practical examples
Example 1
The electoral roll contains disputed entries. Review eligibility and the correction procedure.
Example 2
An election is conducted under the wrong procedure. Assess the consequences and relevant deadlines.
Example 3
A newly elected council requests training. Examine necessity and the applicable cost rules.
Example 4
An employer changes a process during an election. Existing participation duties still require separate attention.
Source and further information
Official source · Related employment-law topic
Archive allocation: March 2026. Written and reviewed retrospectively on 13 November 2026. Court decisions retain their actual decision dates.