Get organized! Strength in numbers is key and supporting your workers council is
important. Don't frown on elections, use your right to be represented and vote,
because the more employees vote, the more influential the council will be. You
might think that you don't need it, but

don't make others feel that getting represented is a burden. In many small
companies you will be told that workers councils will limit innovation through
countless inquiries and discussions. This is bullshit. Workers councils exist to
make sure work is sustainable.

Good company leaders work proactively with them, together.

Talk about things you notice, either in public, or in private, but don't keep it
to yourself. Otherwise it's hard to notice systematic issues. Also, of asked,
share your salary. Keeping it a taboo to talk about it harms people from
under-indexed groups.

It's illegal for employers to put wording in contract that prohibits you from
sharing this information.

HR is not your friend. They are employees like you, and not paid by you. So
their loyalty lies with the organization, their job is to ensure company
policies are followed. Good HR people are a fantastic resource for your
well-being, but don't take their word for the only truth.

Also, always consider who is advocating for which policies and how they are
invested in the company. Do they actually have skin in the game?