Wil jij je inzetten als OR-lid?

Every organisation with at least 50 employees is required to establish a works council (OR). The OR is elected by and from the employees through elections. The OR consults as a team with the employer on a variety of topics. Consider, for example, a reorganisation, schedules, good training plans, or tackling absenteeism. OR work never concerns individual employees, but decisions that can affect many employees. It's about influencing policy. Thinking along and co-deciding about the organisation, the budget, and the staff.

Constituency

The OR represents employees to the employer/management. Therefore, it is important to maintain good contact with the constituency. As an OR member, you talk to colleagues about the issues they face and involve them in the themes the OR deals with. By properly involving the constituency, the OR's viewpoints gain greater support and thus more attention from employers. The establishment of an OR can therefore truly be an added value for the company!

Core tasks

• promotes good working conditions;
• advises on business operations and the budget;
• co-decides on staff policy;
• acts as a link between staff and management.

The OR monitors, among other things:

• compliance with the CLA;
• implementation of legal measures for safe and healthy working.

Time and training

Works council activities generally take place during working hours. Therefore, as a works council member, you are granted a certain number of hours each week to perform your duties. Annually, this is at least 60 hours. Works council members also regularly attend courses. Each member is entitled to at least five days per year to acquire Insights and skills. The employer covers the cost of this training.

Works council and union

The union and works council both advocate for employees. They represent the interests of the same people, each from their own position. Often, the union and works council will address the same issues, such as during a merger, reorganisation, or negotiations over collective labour agreements.

By collaborating in a timely manner, the union and works council can achieve the best results: maximising influence on matters that employees find important. De Horecabond views the union and works council as natural partners.

Employee representation

Companies with ten to fifty employees can voluntarily establish a works council. If there is insufficient interest in a works council, an employee representation (PVT) can be set up. Employers are obliged to do so when a majority of employees request it. Companies with fewer than ten employees can establish a PVT on a voluntary basis.