Germany Works Constitution Act (BetrVG) s112: s 112 Seek a reconciliation of interests and agree a social plan, through mediation and conciliation if needed

An agreed reconciliation of interests on a planned operational change, and a social plan compensating or mitigating economic disadvantages, are put in writing and signed; the social plan operates like a works agreement. Failing agreement either side may seek mediation by the Federal Employment Agency and then call the conciliation committee, which tries to reconcile them and, for the social plan, decides, weighing employees' social interests and the company's economic viability. Under s 112a, a social plan cannot be forced for pure staff reductions below set thresholds or in the first four years of a new company.