In a recent survey, Frege (2002) concludes that economic analysis of the works council has reached a `dead end´. The present treatment offers a different conclusion based on a more encompassing review of the evidence. It will identify three distinct phases in the economic analysis of...

The fraction of works councillors belonging to a trade union in Germany is much higher than union density among employees. If works councils represent the face of unions, union membership of employees should be related positively to the existence of works councils and their proximity to unions....

Using a microeconomic model and data from the Establishment Panel of the German Institute for Employment Research, we analyze the optimal establishment size against the background of rent-seeking workers and the influence of works councils. The theoretical part shows that establishment size has...

Using unique survey data from the German Socio-Economic Panel, this study examines the influence of reciprocal inclinations on workers' sorting into codetermined firms. Employees with strong negative reciprocal inclinations are more likely to work in firms with a works council while employees...

Abstract Die „besser statt billiger“-Kampagne der IG Metall NRW zielt u.a. darauf ab, von der Gewerkschaft wahrgenommene Modernisierungsdefizite in den Unternehmen zu beheben. Auf der Grundlage von Fallstudien in 16 Betrieben, deren Betriebsräte „besser“-Konzepte verfolgt haben, geht...

Zusammenfassung In der digitalen Transformation sind Fragen nach der Rolle der Beschäftigten und ihrer Interessenvertretungen für die Gestaltung der „Arbeit 4.0“ zentral. Welche Möglichkeiten und Gefahren den vernetzten, digitalen Prozessen innewohnen und wie unter diesen Voraussetzungen...

Using a large panel data set we investigate whether works councils act as sand or grease in the operation of German firms. Stochastic production frontier analysis indicates that establishments with and without a works council do not exhibit significant differences in efficiency.

Using a large linked employer-employee data set for Germany, we find that the existence of a works council is associated with a lower separation rate to employment, in particular for men and workers with low tenure. While works council monopoly effects show up in all specifications, clear voice...