The German dual system of interest representation is set on two pillars. One comprises industry-wide regional collective agreements between trade unions and employer associations. The second consists of works councils, legally-based bodies representing the employees of an establishment. Legally the two institutions are independent but in practice there are manifold interdependencies.
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2. July 2026 | Migration and Integration
When bureaucracy becomes a barrier: What migrants think about Germany’s administrative processes
Applying for a residence permit, having foreign qualifications recognised, or acquiring German citizenship: people who have moved to Germany often face lengthy bureaucratic processes. Current survey ...read more
26. June 2026 | Groups of Persons
Employment growth in Germany from 2017 to 2024: What drives employment in an ageing society?
Between 2017 and 2024, employment growth in Germany was mainly driven by a rising population and increasing employment rates. Gains were concentrated among migrants, women and older workers, while ...read more
4. May 2026 | Digital and ecological transformation
The gender AI gap: “AI is becoming a key resource – but men and women are not using it in the same way”
The rapid spread of AI in the workplace is creating a new divide: the gender AI gap. A recent study by the IAB conducted in collaboration with Initiative D21 shows that women use AI considerably less ...read more