Trade unions advocate for greater workplace democracy—and for good reasons. Particularly in times of significant economic changes and societal crises, employee participation helps workers better handle challenges and actively contribute to shaping the future. Workplace democracy means that employees and their representatives can have a say in important company decisions. Studies indicate this approach brings numerous advantages: it reduces social inequalities, improves working conditions, strengthens the economy, supports digital transformation, promotes environmental protection within companies, and fosters democratic attitudes among employees.

The European Union-funded project focuses, among other things, on the "right to co-determination" in the following countries: Bulgaria, the Republic of Moldova, Austria, Serbia, Slovenia, and Hungary. Employees should have more influence on decisions within their companies, particularly concerning digital and green transitions—an essential prerequisite for workplace democracy. The project investigates the level of this need across different countries, generating new insights about the current state of employee participation that have not been previously addressed in other studies.

For employee representatives to fulfill their roles effectively, specific skills are required—referred to as "co-determination competence." Strengthening workplace democracy involves enhancing this competence. The project will utilize insights from a study identifying necessary conditions for effective participation. The aim is to promote robust employee representation, supporting the establishment of works councils and strengthening employee positions in collective bargaining negotiations.

The project is led by the International Department of the Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB) and includes a study on workplace co-determination to facilitate a fair transition. Additionally, it features activities that highlight best-practice examples and propose solutions to address current challenges.