For wooden toy makers and interior designers from 1 January 2020 applies: The master is again duty. The Bundestag has decided to return to master craftsmanship for a total of twelve trades. Parliament passed changes to the craft code on Thursday.
In 2004, the master duty had been dropped in 53 occupations. With the reform of the craft order, the federal government wanted to open simpler activities for the self-employed. Until then, these businesses were only allowed to be run by trained craftsmen.
The renewed introduction of the master craftsman requirement will affect, among other things, tile and parquet layers, roller shutter technicians and organ builders. However, there is one exception: Existing businesses that are not currently subject to the master craftsman license may continue to practice their craft independently. This is to guarantee that companies that have been founded since 2004 can continue to exist.
Economics Minister Peter Altmaier (CDU) described the return to the master duty as good news for the craft and customers. The consent to the craft will continue to grow in the population. The industry also makes an important contribution to training.
Critics of the change meanwhile fear that the shortage of skilled workers could be further intensified. "Who demands the master duty, wants to artificially scarce the market," said Jonas Kuckuk of the professional association of independent craftsmen and craftsmen the SPIEGEL. The customers were ultimately the victims, because prices rose and the waiting time would be longer.
The FDP deputy Manfred Todtenhausen said with a view to a corresponding application by the AfD, a complete return to the master duty in all trades would be "folklore". These would be solutions from yesterday.