At the core of the German labor participation system lies the works council which is an (employee) elected board that represents them on a factory/office level (varies).
Large companies also elect a company wide works council which in the case of publicly listed companies is part of the board. (50% of the votes with a shareholder friendly tie breaking mechanism).
Works councils are traditionally dominated by unions but not always and there isn't a membership requirement to be represented.
Unions offer industry sector wide representation and also negotiate collective agreements that companies agree to (more or less) willingly and of course they coordinate strikes if need be.
Large companies also elect a company wide works council which in the case of publicly listed companies is part of the board. (50% of the votes with a shareholder friendly tie breaking mechanism).
Works councils are traditionally dominated by unions but not always and there isn't a membership requirement to be represented.
Unions offer industry sector wide representation and also negotiate collective agreements that companies agree to (more or less) willingly and of course they coordinate strikes if need be.