After the results of the European elections in 2024, more topical than ever: in view of the current transformation processes in the economy, ecology and work, which deeply challenge social institutions and shared values of a social democracy, the network of labour and trade union research at the Ruhr universities has organised the public event series "Work and Democracy" in cooperation with IG Metall, the Academy for Co-Determination at RUB and the DGB-Bildungswerk Bund. The final event with the lecture "Demokratie ist langsam, KI dagegen rasant schnell" including a panel discussion will take place on 25 June from 5.15 pm hybrid in the O-Werk and is open to all interested parties free of charge, registration is requested. Together with experts in labour and trade union research, we want to enter into a discussion with a broad public about the close connection between work, co-determination and social recognition. Gainful employment is not only the means of securing a material livelihood and social participation, but also the central social institution in which the recognition of different interests and cooperative forms of conflict resolution are learnt and practised. A world of work based on mutual recognition and solidarity promotes the democratic development of a society.