Together for the future of skilled trades: Reforms are necessary

The employee vice-presidents of the chambers of skilled crafts discussed how the future of skilled crafts can be secured in view of the need for reform.

It's an old but apt comparison: the social partnership between employers and employees is like a long-standing marriage. They don't always agree, but both sides work together to move it forward through compromise. Now, the employee vice presidents in Frankfurt have used their 100th meeting to develop a roadmap for securing the future of skilled trades.

Because the challenges are significant: Crafts and society must address demographic change, digitalization and the transition to a climate-neutral economy, as well as the need for reform in social security systems, including health.

Reforms in the skilled trades: preserving solidarity and personal responsibility

One thing is clear: "The necessary reforms must not be at the expense of those who, through their daily work, ensure the economic viability of the skilled trades," says Joachim Noll , Vice President of the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts and Trades , speaking on behalf of the employee representatives in the skilled trades organization. The representatives are fundamentally opposed to any reduction in benefits , regardless of whether it concerns health, long-term care, or pension insurance. "Those who pay in are entitled to benefits."

They agree with employers that reforms are needed – and that these reforms should reflect a balance between solidarity and individual responsibility. Reforms must be designed in a socially balanced way, strengthening the solidarity-based nature of social insurance without overburdening contributors. It is also clear that the system must close inequalities and eliminate perverse incentives.

You might also be interested in:

Operations management

Baden-Württemberg is raising the profile of skilled trades

Craft policy

Fireside chat with DGB-NRW chairman Thorben Albrecht

Craft policy

The OECD sees a need for reform in Germany

Working time models in the skilled trades: A balancing act

Employers are not on board with all points. One issue concerns working hours , where both politicians and employers want to change working hours in favor of a more flexible model, as also provided for in European legislation. The specific point of contention is the eight-hour day , which is intended to transition to a full week, thus allowing for greater flexibility during periods of high workload. Employees fear additional burdens, especially increased health risks. This also highlights the desire for more preventative measures and workplace health management.

Employees are also critical of private pension schemes . Many skilled tradespeople, with an average gross income of €2.470, have little room to invest in retirement savings. Furthermore, it is essential that wherever policymakers review existing instruments, social safeguards must be in place, particularly to avoid placing a greater burden on low and middle incomes. Noll: " Non-insurance-related benefits should be financed entirely from tax revenue. "

The future of skilled trades: Joint solutions are needed.

High praise for social partnership came from Jörg Dittrich , President of the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) , who participated as a guest in a panel discussion entitled "Shaping the Future of Skilled Crafts Together," along with Susanne Haus , President of the Frankfurt-Rhine-Main Chamber of Skilled Crafts ; Stefan Körzell , member of the Executive Board of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) ; Nadine Boguslawski , member of the Executive Board of the German Metalworkers' Union (IG Metall) ; and Carsten Burckhardt , member of the Executive Board of the Construction, Agriculture, and Environment Union (IG Bauen-Agrar-Umwelt ). "It is indispensable, and it's good that we have it," said Germany's top craftsman. Like the union representatives, he views the planned reforms critically because they are simply "taking too long ." The skilled trades need reliable framework conditions—and quickly, was the conclusion of the discussion.

According to the employee vice presidents, the crucial factor is the social safety net. Restrictions are fundamentally unsuitable, especially for enabling age-appropriate work. Therefore , socially responsible reforms are essential , as only these will strengthen the attractiveness of skilled trades and contribute to securing a skilled workforce. The appeal from Frankfurt: It is essential to tangibly improve the daily lives of employees and strengthen skilled trades as a training and employment location . This can only be achieved collectively! Therefore, we call upon all employers, employees, unions, and associations to jointly develop ideas and proposals for the benefit of all. These should be communicated collectively to provide policymakers with a clear message from the entire skilled trades sector.

DHB now also available digitally! Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!