Betriebsrat
In English: Works council
The elected employee body. It can form in any site with at least 5 employees. In a layoff it negotiates with the company and knows the plans.
Legal basis
BetrVG §1. Checked against the statute text on 12 November 2026.
Related terms
Open the simulator See Betriebsrat in action: work through a layoff case where it decides the outcome.
This page explains German employment law in general terms. It is not legal advice for your situation. If a layoff affects you, talk to an employment lawyer, your union or your Betriebsrat.