In Germany there are no basic trade union organisations in the company. Instead, the works councils are the most important point of contact for operational problems. The works councils, in turn, work closely with the union. The works council represents the interests of employees in the company. It monitors that the applicable laws, occupational safety regulations, collective agreements and organisation-level agreements are observed by the employer. The works council also advocates the equal treatment of employees and the integration of foreign employees. The works council has certain powers and organisational options within the company which enable it to fulfil its tasks. The works council: must agree to every new hiring, must be heard before each dismissal, ensures a fair pay classification, determines working conditions (start and end of work, break times, overtime, on-call service, part-time, etc., stands up for the rights of trainees, ensures occupational health and safety, can request measures to combat racism and xenophobia in the company. If there is no works council in your company, you can establish a works council. If you are a member of the works council, you enjoy special protection against dismissal. Dismissal by notice of works council members is completely prohibited. The protection against dismissal applies for the period from the list for election up to the end of one year after termination of membership in the works council. The works council can concl