What is a works council and what can it do for me as an applicant?

The works council (Betriebsrat) is the elected employee representation in companies with 5+ employees (BetrVG Section 1, Q043). Directly relevant for applicants: in companies with a works council, it must be informed and, where applicable, involved in hiring decisions (BetrVG Section 99). The works council can refuse a hire if, for example, AGG violations are present. For you as a future employee: the works council is your first point of contact for problems — working time issues, bullying, salary inequality, professional development. BetrVG Section 75: the works council and employer are obliged to refrain from discrimination. Caveat: works councils only operate in the private sector — the public sector has staff councils (Personalrat).