For context – we're located in Germany where worker's rights are pretty strong. I hope this post is understandable for foreigners too. If not do not hesitate to ask any questions.
The last weeks have been tumultuous. We're a small company of roughly 15 workers. When they tried to fire a long-term employee we decided to start an intervention by founding a worker's committee. As one of the employees initiating the founding of a worker's committee she would enjoy protection against dismissal. She left our company nonetheless because she got a better offer and I'm so proud of her! But by law she was still a regular employee til the end of February and she kept supporting us in the process of getting unionized.
As we're a small business our worker's committee will be consisting only one member by law – I am one of two candidates by now. When everything turns out as planned, I'm going to be our worker's counsel and my colleague is going to be my substitute. I am still a newbie on the labour market and honestly sometimes I'm freaked out by the hostility of our boss but at the same time I know that what we're doing is right. I think my boss already regrets hiring me one and a half years ago but once I am elected worker's counsel it's very hard to get rid of me (and my substitute). Even though it's our right to form a worker's counsel everything is still pretty scary. I'm fighting for my ideals while being afraid of repercussions. But I have awesome colleagues behind me so I think I'm ready to dive in 🙂