Interessenvertretung bei atypischen Beschäftigungsverhältnissen – ein strategisches Dilemma

The paper deals with various problems of the representation of interest for employees in atypical employment as a strategic dilemma for trade unions and works councils. First, general requirements and conditions of their activities are discussed, including the fact that atypical employees normally show low rates of unionisation and are underrepresented in works councils. Next, the focus is on the policy options of trade unions, differentiating between the traditional arena of collective bargaining and political lobbying. It becomes apparent that the unions addressed the interests of those in atypical employment comparatively late and only after controversial discussions, and that their achievements in (collective bargaining) politics are still rare – except regarding the minimum wage issue. At the corporate level, which is subsequently analysed, it becomes clear that works councils focus on the interests of the core workforce, not least as a consequence of their limited resources. The summary and outlook underline that further initiatives are possible, but they demand sensitivity, persistence, and patience.