What determines the role and position of works councils? Models of councils in Polish organizations. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Skorupińska-Cieślak, Katarzyna
• Is Part Of: Economic and industrial democracy. Volume 42:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 1123
• Page End: 1148
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Employee participation -- employee voice -- industrial relations -- trade unions -- works councils; Management -- Employee participation -- Periodicals; 331.0112
• DOI: 10.1177/0143831X19846344
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-831X

Abstract

Using data from in-depth interviews conducted with chairpersons of works councils, representatives of management and chairpersons of trade unions in 20 Polish organizations, this article explores the importance of different factors influencing the strength of works councils. The findings indicate a decisive role of such factors as management approach and activity of councillors, and a minor role in the case of individual regulations and works council's age. Moreover, the article identifies three main models of works councils existing in Polish organizations after the amendment of the Act on Informing and Consulting Employees: ' perfunctory ' councils, ' constructive ' councils and works councils as a ' complement to unions '.