Gain clarity and take advantage of opportunities for action
Restructuring
Restructuring often poses major challenges for works councils. In a short period of time, they must evaluate complex plans, assess potential consequences for employees, and make far-reaching decisions. We help you understand the planned measures, critically examine them, and develop your own options for action.
Understanding Restructuring Early On
Difficult situations require a solid foundation
There can be many reasons for restructuring: the economic situation is deteriorating, markets are changing, new business models are emerging, or the company is realigning its strategy. This can lead to organizational changes, relocations, workforce reductions, or plant closures.
For employees, this often marks the beginning of a difficult period. Many worry about their jobs and wonder what the future holds. At the same time, the works council must review the employer’s plans and represent the interests of the workforce. To do so, the council must know early on what the company is planning, what the decisions are based on, and what consequences can be expected.
Here’s how we do it
We review, organize, and make things easy to understand
Our consulting process begins with an initial joint meeting. We assess the current situation, determine what information is already available, and evaluate the committee’s level of understanding. It is equally important for us to understand what the works council needs and what issues are most important to it.
We then use the available documents—and any additional documents that may need to be requested—to gain a comprehensive understanding of the planned measures.
We assess whether the company’s assumptions are reasonable, whether the figures provide a sound basis for the planned measures, and whether the scope of those measures aligns with the stated goal. We present the results in a way that clearly highlights the economic relationships and potential consequences.
Throughout the entire process, we maintain regular communication with the works council. We explain the current status of our analysis, discuss open questions, and coordinate the next steps together. Our goal is transparent collaboration.
From Assessment to Action
Develop alternatives and prepare for negotiations
A planned restructuring is not necessarily the only option. Together with the works council, we explore which other approaches are economically viable. Our goal is to minimize the negative impact on employees as much as possible and to preserve jobs and locations.
When negotiations are imminent, we prepare the works council for the economic and strategic issues at hand. We identify the key arguments, clarify open questions, and develop negotiation strategies as well as anticipate possible responses from the company. Upon request, we also accompany the negotiations and ensure that the works council can substantiate its position with expert reasoning and represent it on an equal footing.
The works council should be able to understand why the company is planning a restructuring, whether the figures presented support these plans, and what alternatives exist. This is exactly what our work focuses on: We examine the economic fundamentals, explain our findings in a clear and understandable way, and work with you to develop possible next steps. This allows you to maintain a clear overview even under time pressure and remain capable of taking action to effectively represent the interests of the employees.
Is your company undergoing restructuring? Contact us now.
