Trade Unions and Digitalisation in Germany

Abstract

The digital revolution is a complex challenge for the German trade unions. On the one hand, this is due to the long-term process of weakening of the German trade union movement; on the other hand, digitalisation is a multi-layered process that is developing in different forms, ranging from the 'Industry 4.0' in the manufacturing sector to the platform economy. In addressing these challenges, German trade unions tried to draw on new strategic approaches based on principles such as organising, participation and the activation of works councils. Basically, trade unions are trying to influence digitalisation and its effects on the basis of new initiatives and, in doing so, to reposition themselves as interest representatives of workers. While the activation of works councils is at the forefront of trade union initiatives on 'Industry 4.0', the initiatives in the platform economy are more diverse, ranging from top-down approaches to grass-roots activities, but also more limited. And while the proliferation of works councils forms a limit for the activation strategies, the platform strategies are limited by their high costs and efforts compared to a relatively lower return.