works council

American  

noun

Chiefly British.

1. an elected body of employee representatives that deals with management regarding grievances, working conditions, wages, etc.

2. a joint council or committee representing employer and employees that discusses working conditions, wages, etc., within a plant or business.

---

works council British  

noun

1. a council composed of both employer and employees convened to discuss matters of common interest concerning a factory, plant, business policy, etc, not covered by regular trade union agreements

2. a body representing the workers of a plant, factory, etc, elected to negotiate with the management about working conditions, wages, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of works council

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Zalando said it would begin negotiations with the Erfurt works council immediately and that it has developed some support offers to assist its employees.

From The Wall Street Journal

A works council spokesperson confirmed a first meeting had taken place but declined to comment further on the timeline.

From Reuters

Speaking at a media briefing in Cologne, the Ford site's works council head Benjamin Gruschka said workers were ready to push back against restructuring plans, without being more specific.

From Reuters

Other topics include the plant's impact on road and rail infrastructure and transport, forest conversion, battery cell production, works council as well as Tesla's role as a local employer.

From Reuters

Last autumn, he clashed with the company’s powerful works council about his electrification strategy and management style.

From New York Times