Study in ÖGB’s EU-Project “JustWork”: Why Workplace Democracy Matters Now

Workplace democracy may sound like a classic trade union topic – and it is. But in times of rising social inequality, the climate crisis, and the strengthening of authoritarian movements, the question of how much say workers have in their workplaces is becoming increasingly urgent. 

Research shows: When employees have more influence, it benefits not only them. Workplace and economic democracy strengthen innovation, ecological transformation, social stability, and democratic awareness. It is therefore a key pillar of a “Just Transition” that aims to shape digitalisation and climate change in a socially fair way. 

What the study aims to achieve 

The EU-funded trade union project “JustWork” will conduct a study on this topic and focuses on exactly this: developing ways to strengthen and firmly anchor workplace democracy. A core strategy is building competencies for participation-oriented worker representation. Because laws and formal structures alone do not create vibrant workplace democracy – it takes employees who are willing and able to bring their voices forward. 

Inspired by U.S.-based organizing approaches, “JustWork” explores how unions can support this mobilisation. The project places a special emphasis on an often overlooked factor: workers’ own sense of entitlement to participate – the belief that they have a right to be involved in decisions at their workplace. 

Three levels of workplace democracy 

1. The institutional level 

Laws, co-determination rights, collective bargaining, union strength, works councils. Various indices, such as the European Participation Index, measure how well these structures function in different countries. 
Goal: Create the framework that makes participation possible. 

2. The practice level 

How is participation lived in everyday work? Which resources do workers need? Which processes offer real influence? How do works councils and management strategies shape this?

Goal: Make participation accessible and effective for everyone.

3. The entitlement to participate

The research in the EU funded project “JustWork” would add a third dimension: whether workers feel entitled to voice their interests.

Without this inner sense of ownership, even strong participation rights often remain unused.

Why your input matters 

To better understand these dynamics, we need your support. 

Your experiences and perspectives are essential for identifying what strengthens workplace democracy and what workers need to participate confidently and effectively.

If you live in Austria and are able to fill out the questionnaire in German, we kindly ask you to take just 10 minutes to do so

Your input directly helps unions develop new strategies and strengthen democratic structures in everyday working life. 

Thank you very much for your time and valuable contribution!