Co-determination
"Trainees don't need to go to the staff meeting."
There is a works meeting, and you are supposed to keep working instead.
§§ 42, 44 BetrVG / § 71 BetrVG
The boss may NOT do that
Yes they do — trainees are part of the workforce and may attend with pay.
As a trainee you are an employee within the meaning of the Works Constitution Act and may attend works meetings. They usually take place during working hours, and the time spent attending, including extra travel time, is paid like working time (§ 44 BetrVG). The company may not keep you from it. If there is a JAV, it can also call its own youth and trainee meeting (§ 71 BetrVG), to which the same applies. There you can raise questions and problems about your training.
What the law says
§ 42 (1) BetrVG – Works meeting
The works meeting consists of the employees of the company; it is chaired by the chair of the works council.
§ 44 (1) BetrVG – Time and pay
Works meetings take place during working hours. The time of attendance including additional travel time is to be paid to employees like working time.
§ 71 BetrVG – Youth and trainee meeting
The youth and trainee representation can, in agreement with the works council, call a company youth and trainee meeting before or after each works meeting.
What you can do
- The invitation is usually on the notice board or sent by the works council.
- Tell your trainer that you are attending.
- Use the meeting to raise training topics.
- The time counts as working time — record it in your time sheet.