Works agreement for short-time work
Short-time work temporarily reduces working time and is subject to co-determination. This guide neutrally explains what a works agreement on short-time work regulates and the role of the conciliation committee.
Why is short-time work subject to co-determination?
Introducing short-time work is a temporary reduction of customary working time and thus subject to co-determination under Section 87(1) no. 3 BetrVG. An effective collective basis – such as a works agreement – is generally a prerequisite for ordering short-time work. If no agreement is reached, the conciliation committee can decide.
Typical content
- Affected units & employees
- Start, duration & extent of short-time work
- Notice periods
- Distribution of the reduced working time
- Handling of leave & time credits
- Top-up payments (if agreed)
- Ending & resumption
If no agreement is reached
Short-time work is often time-critical. As chair, I guide swiftly to a legally sound arrangement that reconciles the company's economic situation with the employees' interests.
Briefly answered
As a rule, no. Short-time work requires a collective or individual legal basis; in companies with a works council, its introduction is subject to co-determination (Section 87(1) no. 3 BetrVG).
If no agreement is reached, the conciliation committee can decide on the introduction and arrangement of short-time work.
More in the guide: Working time · Shift work · all guides
A conciliation committee on short-time work?
As a neutral chair I guide swiftly to a legally sound short-time-work arrangement – across Germany.