Tarifbindung und betriebliche Interessenvertretung: Ergebnisse aus dem IAB-Betriebspanel 2014

In this contribution we present the dispersion of collective bargaining agreements according to firm size and industries using the latest data from the IAB establishment panel. Accordingly, in 2014 about 53 % of the firms in West Germany and 36 % in East Germany were bound to collective agreements. From the beginning of data collecting in 1996 up to the present time coverage in both parts of Germany has been distinctly declining, even though the trend has been less clear-cut of late. Looking at plant level codetermination we find that coverage by works councils declined slightly in East Germany when compared to the previous year, with 33 % of the workforce in the private sector. At 43 % the level in West Germany remains the same as the previous year. However, in the long run a profound downward movement is also apparent here. Since 2004 data on alternative means of representation have been available. However, the alternative means of representation do not show anywhere near the level of stability as works councils. Examining both levels of employee participation together we draw attention to the extensive gaps in representation on the shop-floor and to the blank spots within the German collective agreement and codetermination landscape.