Challenges for the EWC

European Works Councils (EWCs) are established to improve communication and consultation between management and employees across different countries within a company. However, there are several challenges that can prevent EWCs from operating effectively:

1.      Communication barriers: EWCs often involve representatives from multiple countries with different languages and cultural backgrounds. This can create communication barriers and make it difficult to achieve a shared understanding and consensus.

2.      Lack of resources: EWCs may not have sufficient resources, including time, funding, and support, to effectively carry out their responsibilities.

3.      Resistance from management: Some management teams may be resistant to the idea of EWCs and may not fully support or participate in the council’s activities.

4.      Limited decision-making power: EWCs have limited decision-making power and cannot make binding decisions.

5.      Conflicts of interest: Conflicts of interest can arise between EWC representatives from different countries or between management and employees, making it difficult to reach a consensus on important issues.

6.      Inadequate training: EWC representatives may not have received adequate training on the role and responsibilities of the council, which can limit their effectiveness.

7.      Challenges in implementing decisions: Even when the EWC reaches a decision, it may be difficult to implement it in a way that is acceptable to all parties involved. To overcome these challenges, EWCs need to have effective communication and collaboration between all parties, clear processes and procedures, adequate resources, and training for EWC representatives. EWCs should also seek support from management and engage in regular and open discussions to ensure that the council is able to operate effectively.