Buch-Symposium: Labor in the Boardroom

Date
January 29, 2026
10:12 - 15:45

Location
Center for Ethics and Philosophy in Practice
LMU Munich, Main Building, Room M 210 (LMU room finder)
Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539 Munich

Registration 
https://eveeno.com

About

On 29 January 2026, the Centre for Ethics and Philosophy in Practice
will host a manuscript workshop on the book ‘Labor in the Boardroom: The
Political Theory of Workplace Democracy’ by Iñigo González Ricoy
(University of Barcelona). Philipp Stehr (TU Munich), Eva Weiler (University of Duisburg-Essen) and Hannes Kuch (LMU Munich) and Paulus Kaufmann (LMU Munich) will
present comments on the manuscript, each followed by a response and a
discussion. The book analyses workplace democracy models such as
co-determination, employee participation and cooperatives in light of
growing public and political attention. Particular emphasis is placed on
the political discourse surrounding the legal promotion of employee
representation and the importance of efficiency in such forms of
organisation. The first half of the book critically examines common
justifications for workplace democracy and highlights shortcomings in
terms of efficiency. The second half develops a normative approach that
highlights efficiency and protection against oppression in the workplace
as key issues. Finally, challenges for workplace democratic companies
such as ownership structures, the composition of supervisory bodies and
their relationship with trade unions are discussed.

Abstract
The abstract provides further information about the book and the workshop.
Abstract

Program

There will be three comments, each up to 20 minutes, each followed by a 10-minute response by Iñigo González Ricoy and a 45-minute open debate

10:15-10:30 Welcome and Introduction

10:30-11:45 Comment by Eva Weiler (University of Duisburg-Essen):
"Legally constructed actors and their responsibilities within democracies" 

Coffee Break

12:00-13:15 Comment by Paulus Kaufmann and Hannes Kuch (ZEPP Munich):
"Forms of workplace democracy, freedom and efficiency"

Lunch Break

14:15-15:30 Comment by Philipp Stehr (TU Munich)
"What's a realistic view of efficiency and firms?"

Coffee Break

15:45-16:45 Concluding Discussion

Note: Unfortunately, Christian Neuhäuser (TU Dortmund) had to cancel for personal reasons and will not be able to deliver the second commentary as originally planned. Instead, Paulus Kaufmann and Hannes Kuch will provide the commentary.

 

Organisation 

Dr. Paulus Kaufmann and Dr. Hannes Kuch