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Federal Labor Court overturns Kärcher agreement: salary dispute continues to rage!
The Federal Labor Court declares a works agreement at Kärcher to be invalid. The salary dispute remains complex.
Federal Labor Court overturns Kärcher agreement: salary dispute continues to rage!
In a landmark ruling, the Federal Labor Court declared a Kärcher company agreement to be legally invalid. This agreement, which provided for a salary cut for part of the workforce, caused outrage among employees. Several employees had filed a lawsuit against this regulation and can now expect back pay. This decision could have far-reaching consequences for the company's remuneration policy, and the dispute over salaries is likely to remain complicated ZVW reported.
In the midst of these legal disputes, the structures of the works council are also being criticized. Trade unions and works councils usually rarely meet in court, but in the case of Kärcher, IG Metall initiated a resolution process to enforce their rights. The background is that the works council chairman is not a member of IG Metall and has not attended any training courses for works councils. This lack of training could be interpreted as a gross breach of the works council's duties, such as DGB legal protection explained.
Works council and union: a difficult relationship
According to Section 46 of the Works Constitution Act (BetrVG), works council chairmen are obliged to inform the union in a timely manner about the time and agenda of company or departmental meetings. A breach of this obligation to provide information could be considered a gross breach of duty and could have serious consequences.
It is important to emphasize that according to Section 46 (1) BetrVG, trade union representatives have the right to take part in all company or departmental meetings. Participation does not require prior approval from the employer as long as the peace and quiet is not disturbed. These regulations strengthen the position of the unions and underline the importance of their role in the works council.
Overall, it is clear that the disputes at Kärcher are not only focused on salaries, but also on the internal order and the regulation of works council work. The next steps by IG Metall and the works council could lead to lasting changes in Kärcher's corporate culture.