“The briefing pack template alone was worth the seat. I still rewrite Module 3 before every works council cycle.”
Flagship course
Works Council Dialogue Lab
A practice-heavy path for employment consultations in Germany where union interaction readiness is not optional—it is the difference between a useful meeting and a reputational setback.
Learning outcomes
- Build a briefing pack that leadership and legal can both recognise as accurate.
- Open a works council meeting with a shared agenda instead of a defensive monologue.
- Capture commitments in language that survives translation into minutes.
- Identify when silence, deferral, or a written follow-up is the safer move.
Informational pricing
Individual seat: €490. Team of four: €1,680. Prices are published for orientation only—there is no checkout on this site. Enrolment is confirmed by email after a short suitability check.
At a glance
Duration: 5 weeks, ~4 hours per week
Format: live sessions + async drills
Language: English materials with German workplace examples
Best for: HR business partners, site leads, employee relations roles
Modules
Each module ends with a short rehearsal, not a quiz for its own sake.
1
Map the consultation
Clarify the legal and operational contours of the issue before anyone drafts talking points.
2
Stakeholder temperature
Read prior correspondence and hallway sentiment without turning rumour into strategy.
3
Briefing pack craft
Assemble facts, open questions, and non-negotiables into a one-page leadership brief.
4
Room choreography
Assign opening, listening, and note roles so the team does not compete for airtime.
5
Language under pressure
Practice answers that acknowledge concerns without inventing authority you do not hold.
6
Minutes that travel
Write outcomes that remain true when forwarded to union reps, legal, and the board.
7
Escalation thresholds
Decide in advance when to pause, involve counsel, or request a written position.
8
Live case lab
Run a full mock consultation using a Germany-specific scenario and debrief as a team.
Instructor
Lena Vogt
Lena has coached employee relations teams across Hamburg, Cologne, and Munich for over a decade. She focuses on the moments between formal notices—when tone and documentation decide whether trust grows or fractures.
Participant notes
“Useful, though the live case moved quickly—teams new to German labour structures may want an orientation call first.”
★★★★☆
Verified participant · Works Council Dialogue Lab · “Clearer roles in the room; less post-meeting cleanup.”
FAQ
Is this legal advice?
No. The lab teaches consultation readiness and communication practice. Specific legal positions should come from your counsel or in-house legal team.
Do you cover IG Metall or ver.di contexts?
Yes—examples draw from manufacturing, logistics, and services. We emphasise transferable process skills rather than sector slogans.
What is a real limitation of this course?
We do not simulate court procedures or collective bargaining negotiations end-to-end. If your matter is already in formal dispute, this lab is preparatory hygiene, not a substitute for specialised counsel.
Can we pay online here?
No. Pricing is informational only. We confirm seats by invoice after a short email exchange.