What determines the role and position of works councils? Models of councils in Polish organizations

Abstract

Using data from in-depth interviews conducted with chairpersons of works councils, representatives of management and chairpersons of trade unions in 20 Polish organizations, this article explores the importance of different factors influencing the strength of works councils. The findings indicate a decisive role of such factors as management approach and activity of councillors, and a minor role in the case of individual regulations and works council’s age. Moreover, the article identifies three main models of works councils existing in Polish organizations after the amendment of the Act on Informing and Consulting Employees: ‘ perfunctory’ councils, ‘ constructive’ councils and works councils as a ‘ complement to unions’.