If you work for a large corporation and there is already a central works council ("Gesamtbetriebsrat"), they can simply appoint an electoral board ("Wahlvorstand") to take care of the election process for a works council.
In the absence of a central works council ("Gesamtbetriebsrat"), three employees can call for a workers' assembly ("Betriebsversammlung") by sending an invitation to all employees or putting it up as a notice on office boards visible to all employees. The invitation must be sent to the personnel at least three days before the assembly day, and it must clearly inform the staff that an electoral board should be elected for a works council election at the meeting. The electoral board organises the works council election and dissolves afterwards.
The workers' assembly must take place during working hours. The employer and those in managerial positions are not allowed to participate. After choosing an informal moderator for the assembly, the electoral board is then elected. All employees present are entitled to vote and can be chosen as a member of the electoral board.
At least three people must be elected for the election board. In case there are more members, the number must be odd. The employees can also elect substitute members for the electoral board. One of these three people is then chosen as the chairperson of the election board.
When electing a works council, various intricate rules and regulations must be observed, regarding which the electoral board must inform themselves in advance. The work council member(s) must be provided with enough time and financial resources, e.g. for buying books or attending seminars on the issue.
If you have any questions about legal matters, you can also contact the trade union responsible for your branch.