German Works Councils Brace for Mandatory Sick-Note Rule as Training Providers Expand Offerings

Germany's incoming coalition plans to scrap three-day grace period for sick notes, requiring certificate from day one. This drives surge in training for works councils, JAVs, and digital tools.

Germany’s incoming black-red coalition is preparing to require a medical certificate of incapacity for work (AU) from the very first day of illness, a move that would scrap the current three-day grace period and end telephone sick notes altogether. The proposal faces sharp criticism but, if enacted, will fundamentally alter how employers and works councils handle absences — one of several pressures driving a surge in specialised training for employee representatives.

At the same time, the coalition’s plans have highlighted the growing need for works councils and youth-and-apprentice representatives (JAV) to master both legal fundamentals and emerging digital tools. Multiple education providers have responded with targeted qualifications, blending traditional labour law with innovative learning formats and research-backed approaches.

A flagship example is a JAV seminar for a major German bank, scheduled for 24–28 August 2026 in Berlin. The course covers rights under the Works Constitution Act (BetrVG) and the organisation of meetings and youth assemblies. Registration closes on 23 July 2026. The size of a JAV is defined by §62 BetrVG: between one and 15 members, depending on the number of employees under 25. Once a JAV has three or more members, specific quota-protection rules apply, and seats are distributed using the d’Hondt method.

Other providers are also stepping up. Bildungswerk ver.di in Lower Saxony launches courses for works councils, staff councils, JAVs, and severely disabled employees’ representatives from 7 September 2026 in Lüneburg, Bad Zwischenahn, and Hanover. Arbeit und Leben NRW has offered seminars since late June covering civil service law, mediation, and works council qualification.

The coalition’s sick-note plan is the most politically charged item on the horizon, but it is not the only area where works councils must stay alert. Co-determination rights on vacation matters under §87(1) No.5 BetrVG remain a frequent source of friction. While the duration of leave is not subject to co-determination, councils have a say in general holiday principles, the vacation schedule, and individual cases where employer and employee fail to agree.

Beyond legal reform, workplace safety is also getting renewed attention. The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) recently awarded prizes to vocational school classes for creative violence-prevention projects, including films and board games designed to foster conflict-free interaction in daily work.

In the chemical industry, research is reshaping how training reaches the shop floor. A project at Merck KGaA, backed by the University of Rostock and running until 30 June 2027, is establishing dedicated further-training mentors to build sustainable qualification structures. At the DB Group, a new group-level works agreement on education has introduced a central learning portal, modernised onboarding, and artificial intelligence tools for both initial and continuing training.

Regional initiatives complement these efforts. The IHK Lippe is holding an action week from 13 to 17 July 2026 to fill open apprenticeships in commercial and technical fields, aiming to place candidates quickly before the new training year begins.