Handwerk President: "Democracy Must Now Deliver" - Handwerk President: "Democracy Must Now Deliver"
Germany’s skilled trades sector is bracing for a difficult year ahead. Jörg Dittrich, president of the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH), has described the outlook as extremely bleak. His warnings come as the broader economy remains stuck in a prolonged downturn, with no signs of recovery expected in 2025.
Dittrich has called for urgent reforms to revive economic growth. Without action, he warns of rising distributional conflicts, job losses, and increasing pressure on the health insurance system. He argues that greater flexibility in working hours and reduced bureaucracy are essential to rebuild trust in business initiatives.
The skilled trades sector itself shows mixed signals. Apprenticeship numbers have seen a slight uptick compared to other industries, but wage costs are climbing due to fierce competition for skilled workers and an ageing workforce. This is pushing up prices for customers.
While mass layoffs are not yet occurring, jobs are quietly disappearing as small businesses close without public attention. Dittrich stresses that a comprehensive reform package must be in place by 2026 to keep Germany competitive internationally. He also links economic strength to the preservation of freedom and democracy, warning that stagnation risks undermining both.
So far, no concrete proposals from the government or major institutions have emerged to tackle the current economic stagnation or protect social safety nets. Available reports focus instead on international business efforts by groups like the DIHK or unrelated projects such as rail infrastructure.
The skilled trades sector faces rising costs, shrinking businesses, and an uncertain future. Without significant reforms, the sector’s struggles could deepen, affecting jobs and services. Dittrich’s call for change highlights the urgency of addressing both immediate economic pressures and long-term competitiveness.
