In all matters concerning scientists employed under a collective agreement the Staff Council only participates if requested to do so by the employees.
What is the Staff Council?
The employee representative body for all employees (for those employed under a collective agreement as well as for civil servants) of the same body (such as a university) is called the staff council. Its task is first and foremost the protection of employees’ interests. In addition to making sure legal specifications are being followed, the staff council can also use its right to co-determination.
Which matters regarding personnel law are submitted to the staff council?
As a rule, all matters regarding personnel law (such as hiring, remuneration bracket, continued employment) pertaining to employees active in research support areas are submitted to the staff council.
You can find a complete, detailed list in § 78 of the State Staff Representation Act of Rhineland-Palatinate (Landespersonalvertretungsrecht, LPersVG).
Why do academic staff members have to apply for staff council involvement?
According to §81 of the LPersVG, the staff council gets only involved in matters regarding academic staff members and personnel law when academic staff members apply for it.
A distinction is therefore made between academic staff and employees in research support areas.
Why am I being notified of the option to apply?
According to § 81 LPersVG, academic staff is to be notified of their right to apply before the implementation of intended measures.
How do I submit an application?
The application can be sent informally via e-mail or regular mail.
What does staff council involvement mean for me?
Involvement means that the personnel measure currently affecting you – for example, your hiring process – is submitted to the staff council for co-determination prior to its implementation.
The staff council must inform the relevant office of its decision within 18 working days. Then, the measure will either be implemented through Human Resources or denied in case the staff council does not agree.
What does it mean for me if I do not apply for involvement?
No disadvantages will result if you do not apply. You can always turn to members of the staff council if any problems or questions come up. The staff council remains point of contact and representative for all employees, even if it does not participate in every individual measure.
You are also able to decide anew whether or not you would like to apply for involvement for each new measure.
In case of a foreseeable personnel measure which negatively affects you, such as a reprimand, you will be asked explicitly if you would like the involvement of the staff council.