Betriebsräte und betriebliche Weiterbildung

Although works councils have participation rights with respect to firm-based continuing training, they are rarely active in this field of policy. It is thus surprising that econometric studies find a positive impact of works councils on continuing training activities in firms. In this article, we therefore analyze alternative explanations for the positive impact of works councils on firm-based continuing training. Based on existing theoretical concepts of firm-level participation, we first discuss reasons for the limited activities of works councils. We then show that the qualification structure of the staff and the resulting firm strategy influence the likelihood for both, establishing a works council and continuing training activities in firms. Although this finding explains the higher intensity of continuing training in works council firms, works councils need to actively enter this field of participation to adequately meet the employees’ interests.