[1][2] On 25 January 1951, three weeks before his death, Böckler signed an agreement with German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer to establish full co-determination in the coal and steel industries.

It was established by the German Confederation of Trade Unions in 1977 with the merger of the Hans-Böckler-Gesellschaft (Hans Böckler Society) and the Stiftung Mitbestimmung (Co-determination Foundation).

Based in Düsseldorf, the foundation has several research institutes and publishes a variety of books, journals and working papers.

[6] From 1980 until 2001, the foundation jointly awarded the Hans Böckler Prize with the German Confederation of Trade Unions.

The prize was given annually to individuals or organizations for their achievements in improving the working and living conditions of workers and their families and promoting social cohesion and solidarity.