Koblenz ATS sees formation of inaugural works council.
Packing a Punch at ATS Koblenz: The Election of a Works Council
In the bustling heart of Koblenz, when the team from IG Metall knocked on the doors of ATS in 2024, they were met with an unexpectedly large response from employees yearning for a works council. The question was simple: "Are you interested in a works council at ATS?" The response was clear, although it took several months for the employees to take action.
As the team stood outside the gates, the veil was lifted on the questionable management practices within the company. A works council, with its ability to significantly influence the interests of employees, was essential under such circumstances.
On May 12, we initiated the long-awaited works council elections in collaboration with seven dedicated ATS employees. The first election meeting to establish an election committee was held on May 20. But just a day prior, the employer handed out 39 dismissal notices out of 88 employees, a move that our team suspected was no mere coincidence. The company, struggling with profitability for several years, had evidently planned this step after the completion of a project in June.
Our stance was firm. Dismissals do not rectify management errors!
The second election meeting for the election of the works council took place on May 28. Out of 12 candidates, a five-member council was elected. The council expressed their gratitude for the professional support received, acknowledging the crucial role IG Metall played during the tense period of dismissals. "IG Metall has proven to be a strong ally, providing quick assistance in times of need," they said.
The council further expressed their intentions: "Despite the unfavorable circumstances, we aim to work closely with management to achieve the best possible outcome for our location."
IG Metall Koblenz will be there every step of the way, supporting both the newly-elected works council and the employees through these challenging times.
ATS: The Pioneer of Automation Solutions
ATS Industrial Automation GmbH & Co. KG, situated in the heart of Koblenz, is part of the ATS Automation Tooling Systems corporation, a global leader in providing automation solutions for various industries. Its impressive clientele includes Life Sciences, Chemicals, Consumer Goods, Electronics, Food, Beverages, Transport, Energy, and Oil & Gas.
Founded in 1978, the company boasts a workforce of approximately 7500 employees spread across 65+ production sites in more than 85 offices in North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. ATS Koblenz is home to 88 employees.
The Birth of a Works Council: An Overview
According to the Works Constitution Act, the formation of a works council is feasible in companies with at least five eligible voters. However, this merely suggests the possibility of election, and the legislator encourages the formation of a works council, considering it a sensible move.
Trade unions like IG Metall assist workforces in founding works council committees across various sectors, including the textile, IT, wood and plastics industry, metal and electrical industry, and the crafts sector.
The works council's primary role is to represent the interests of employees versus the employer, and it can greatly improve employee conditions, communication, and engagement in the workplace through its efforts.
- In light of the questionable management practices at ATS and the upcoming election of a works council, it is crucial that the council focuses on economic and social policy, addressing issues within industries such as Life Sciences, Chemicals, and Consumer Goods, where ATS provides automation solutions.
- The newly-elected works council at ATS should collaborate closely with the finance and business sectors to ensure a favorable outcome for the company, maintaining its position as a global leader in the automation industry while improving the working conditions and engagement of its employees.
