Berlin, 20 January 2021: Light and shade - this is how our German skilled crafts sector, which has the highest number of employees, can be summarised in its view of the pandemic. The economic impact is enormous: according to our economic survey, one in four companies has had to lay off employees since the start of the crisis, and two thirds are reporting a drop in sales. The beginning of the year does not provide any optimism either, confirming that the situation remains tense.

The formula for our industry-related service trade is: Where there is no work, there is no cleaning. When entire economic pillars such as the hospitality industry, tourism or trade fairs collapse, the industrial engine sputters and the home office rules sweep offices empty, all this hits our craft in its core activity.

On the other hand, Corona has brought our trade a high degree of social esteem. Our industry has been classified as system-relevant by the legislator, and cleanliness, hygiene and disinfection have been boosted as a result. Companies and public authorities have understood that good cleaning contributes to the health protection of employees. Especially in sensitive areas, in clinics, nursing homes and intensive care units, our clients have acted responsibly and increased cleaning intervals. School boards and companies have ordered extra shifts even during ongoing operations. We have been fighting for this so-called day cleaning and thus for more visibility of our industry for years. The pandemic has led to an initial rethink here.

Respect for employees is part of appreciation, but so are decent conditions. Since 2019, our skilled crafts sector has had a new and universally recognised, generally binding framework collective agreement. In the middle of the crisis, we have also reached an agreement with IG BAU on a three-year wage and minimum wage agreement. Conclusion: Wage setting is a matter for employers and trade unions - politics should please keep out of it!

What are our wishes? That the image gain for our trade lasts longer than the pandemic, that the vaccinations consistently go ahead and that the Grand Coalition continues its, on balance, sensible Corona policy. What we need is to remain in crisis mode rather than election mode.