[Verse 1]
In the European way, there's a different game
Where workers have a voice, not just company claims
They elect their people to a council with might
Legal power to participate, making wrongs right
No HR puppets dancing to the boss's tune
Real representation that can't be removed soon
[Chorus]
Employee-elected, legally protected
Works councils standing where the power connects
Information, consultation, co-determination too
What America's missing, Europe's breaking through
Employee-elected, never misdirected
True workplace democracy, structurally protected
[Verse 2]
In Germany they call it the Betriebsrat way
France has comité d'entreprise every day
When hours change or safety's on the line
The council must be heard, it's not just company time
Mass layoffs, relocations, how the pay is made
Without council agreement, those plans get delayed
[Chorus]
Employee-elected, legally protected
Works councils standing where the power connects
Information, consultation, co-determination too
What America's missing, Europe's breaking through
Employee-elected, never misdirected
True workplace democracy, structurally protected
[Bridge]
No retaliation allowed, they're shielded by the law
Paid time off for duties, that's what worker power saw
While HR serves the company with a smile so fake
Works councils serve the workers, real change they make
[Verse 3]
Hiring criteria, workplace safety rules
The council has a say, these aren't just company tools
Co-determination means decisions must be shared
A structural counterbalance that shows workers are cared
This is what we're missing in the American way
Where HR rules supreme and workers have no say
[Chorus]
Employee-elected, legally protected
Works councils standing where the power connects
Information, consultation, co-determination too
What America's missing, Europe's breaking through
Employee-elected, never misdirected
True workplace democracy, structurally protected
[Outro]
From the workers, by the workers, for the workplace good
Real representation like democracy should
Employee-elected, that's the key we need
For workplace justice to succeed