Eurofunk Kappacher employees elect first works council

Employees at Austrian technology company eurofunk Kappacher have elected their first works council, with about two-thirds of eligible staff voting, ORF reports. The nine-member council represents employees at all of the company’s Austrian locations.

A total of 372 of the 564 eligible employees voted on October 12 and 13, a turnout of around 66 percent. The council held its inaugural meeting on November 6 and elected Diederik Van Wassehove as chair.

Eurofunk Kappacher is headquartered in St. Johann im Pongau, where about 450 people work. The company develops, installs and operates control centres and emergency call centres for public safety, industry and transport. Its systems include communications for fire services, ambulance services and police.

The GPA union said the election was constructive and that management had expressed support for establishing a works council. GPA Salzburg managing director Michael Huber said the elected representation was an important addition to workplace cooperation at a significant Salzburg company.

Van Wassehove said the council would represent employees’ interests and seek to involve them early in changes at the company. He said it aimed to work with management in an environment of respect and trust.

Eurofunk Kappacher managing director and CIO Eric-Jan Kaak said the company welcomed the council and viewed strong employee representation as essential. GPA Salzburg plans to support the new members with training on their legal rights and duties and workplace participation.