In some craft trades such as tilers, organ builders or interior decorators the master duty could be reintroduced. They wanted to implement an important project of the coalition agreement, said Union-Fraction Vice Carsten Linnemann and SPD parliamentary vice Sören Bartol in Berlin.
"We are convinced that the master craftsman's certificate provides the best guarantee for quality work, consumer protection, efficiency and innovation," states a joint statement.
Linnemann and Bartol want to propose a coalition working group to reintroduce master craftsmanship for twelve trades. Among them are the professions tile, plate and Mosaikleger, Parkettleger, roller shutter and sun protection technicians, sign and light advertising manufacturers, interior decorators and organ and Harmoniumbauer. Existing companies, which are not currently subject to the master craftsman's license, are to receive a grandfathering and continue to exercise their craft independently.
As the "Hamburger Abendblatt" reported, Linnemann and Bartol wanted to meet this Monday with Federal Minister of Economics Peter Altmaier to discuss for which craft professions the championship should apply again. On Tuesday, the coalition's working group wanted to discuss it.
Handicraft President warns of market distortions
In 2004, the master duty had disappeared in more than 50 occupations. With the reform of the craft order, the federal government wanted to open simpler activities for the self-employed. The Zentralverband des Handwerks has long been pushing for a return to master craftsmanship in many professions. Handicraft President Hans Peter Wollseifer had repeatedly warned against market distortions.
With the reintroduction of the master duty requirements of the German constitutional law and the European right are to be maintained, emphasized Linnemann and Bartol. "Our goal is more quality for the clientele and more talent in the craft sector through better training."
In February, the Federal Council had already spoken out in favor of a return to master craftsmanship in many craft trades. The Landkammer had approved a corresponding application from Bavaria, in which the Federal Government is asked to reintroduce the compulsory master craftsman certificate in all crafts where it is technically necessary and possible under European law.
