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ECONOMIC COMMITTEE

An organ of the works constitution which must be established in companies normally employing at least 100 employees. Depending on the size of company, this committee consists of at least 3-7 members possessing appropriate expertise, at least one of whom must belong to a works council . The committee members are elected by the works council or company works council by simple majority voting. They do not enjoy the same protection as works council members , but must not suffer any disadvantage as a result of their membership. The committee's function is to consult with the employer on economic matters and to communicate such matters to the works council or company works council. Its sphere of responsibility includes, for example, the company's economic and financial position, the production and marketing situation, production and investment programmes, and plans for rationalization and any substantial alteration to the establishment . The employer must provide the committee with prompt and comprehensive information on these matters, including any necessary documents, provided that such disclosure does not endanger business or trade secrets. Information concerning any repercussions on human resource planning must be included. The functions of the economic committee may also be transferred to a works council executive committee , which may not be larger than the size specified for an economic committee.

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