It’s a question that goes to the heart of meaningful consultation.
A European Works Council should be consulted while its opinion can still influence the outcome not after decisions have effectively been made.
That means consultation is much more than circulating a PowerPoint presentation and arranging a meeting.
For consultation to be meaningful, EWC members should have:
📄 Information early enough to understand the proposal.
❓ Time to ask questions and challenge assumptions.
📊 Access to the relevant business information needed to assess the impact.
🌍 Professional interpretation so every representative can participate fully, regardless of language.
💬 A genuine opportunity for their opinion to be considered before decisions are finalised.
This becomes even more important during major transnational changes, such as mergers and acquisitions.
Recent discussions around the proposed KONE/TK Elevator transaction have highlighted another layer of complexity. If the acquisition proceeds, it could eventually require two existing EWCs to be brought together, raising important questions around governance, representation, existing agreements and consultation processes.
It’s a useful reminder that successful consultation isn’t just about meeting legal obligations. It’s about creating the conditions for informed dialogue across countries, cultures and languages.
In my experience, the most effective EWC meetings don’t begin when everyone enters the meeting room.
They begin long before the meeting itself with the right information, enough preparation, and communication that allows every participant to contribute with confidence.
Because when people truly understand the issues being discussed, consultation becomes far more valuable for employees, management and the organisation as a whole.