Indeed the Netherlands has mandatory works councils. I am even a part of one. It took me a while to realize that a works council is quite similar to a "one comp

Indeed the Netherlands has mandatory works councils. I am even a part of one. It took me a while to realize that a works council is quite similar to a "one company union". Though normal works councils don't negotiate salaries (mine does because I fall outside of a collective employment agreement). As for costs I believe works councils don't have mandated budgets just some general 'reasonable to do the job' law. I actually should find out what budget my works council has. Though I expect it would be high, both because of salary negotiations, and just because the company wants a strong works council.