Co-determination
"Union? If you join, you can leave."
You want to join a union, and the company does not like it at all.
Art. 9 Abs. 3 GG / § 7 AGG
The boss may NOT do that
No — joining is your fundamental right, disadvantages because of it are prohibited.
The right to form a union and to join one is a fundamental right (freedom of association, Art. 9 (3) GG). Agreements that restrict or hinder this right are void, and measures against it are unlawful — this is written directly in the Basic Law and also applies between you and your company. Dismissal, a warning or worse treatment because of membership is not allowed. The company may usually not even ask whether you are a member. Unions usually offer trainees low fees, legal advice and legal protection.
What the law says
Art. 9 (3) GG – Freedom of association
The right to form associations to safeguard and improve working and economic conditions is guaranteed to everyone and to all occupations. Agreements that restrict or seek to impair this right are void; measures directed to this end are unlawful.
What you can do
- Joining is your private business — you do not have to report it.
- Membership usually gives you free legal advice on employment law.
- If you are disadvantaged: note everything and involve the union.
- Many unions have their own youth and trainee groups.