I don't think they are that common in tech in Europe/Germany as well. SWEs are used to being in a good negotiation position and not in need for collective barg

I don't think they are that common in tech in Europe/Germany as well. SWEs are used to being in a good negotiation position and not in need for collective bargain. My employer has a works council, but no union representation. That council is mostly occupied with dealing with compensation (provisions, product assignments, ...) of sales people, who make the largest group, thus most votes. SWE needs aren't seen.