Handwerk President: "Democracy Must Now Deliver" - Handwerk President: "Democracy Must Now Deliver"
Germany’s skilled trades sector is facing a deeply uncertain start to the new year. Jörg Dittrich, president of the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH), has warned of an extremely bleak mood across the industry. With the wider economy stuck in a prolonged downturn and no recovery in sight, calls for urgent reform are growing louder.
The sector is not seeing dramatic job losses, but a steady erosion of positions is underway. At the same time, wages continue to rise as businesses compete for a shrinking pool of skilled workers. Demographic shifts are adding pressure, making it harder for companies to fill vacancies.
Dittrich has stressed the need for greater flexibility, including adjustments to working hours, to help revive growth. He argues that trust in entrepreneurship must be rebuilt to strengthen the economy. Without decisive action, the risk of further decline—and a rise in populism—could grow. Germany’s economic struggles are compounded by fierce international competition. Dittrich insists that a comprehensive package of reforms must be in place by 2026. All stakeholders, from policymakers to business leaders, are being urged to commit to change if the country is to safeguard both its economy and democratic values.
The skilled trades sector is at a critical juncture, with wages climbing but jobs quietly disappearing. Reform is seen as the only way to prevent long-term damage and restore confidence. The coming years will determine whether Germany can adapt quickly enough to secure its economic future.
