The current crisis encompasses various dimensions and affects each company differently. However, the construction sector stands out as one severely impacted, with numerous craft enterprises grappling with challenging circumstances.
Charel Roemen, the newly appointed president of the Association of Young Craftspeople, conveyed these concerns during an interview with our colleagues from RTL Radio on Wednesday morning.
Roemen aims to foster closer collaboration among young craft business owners, recognising the inherent value of exchanging experiences and ideas across different trades. This dynamic exchange, Roemen hopes, will allow the sector to effectively address shared challenges.
According to Roemen, many craft business owners struggle with the current situation because the economic environment has become “extremely complex.”
The president of the Association of Young Craftspeople acknowledged that “you have to be genuinely passionate about what you do to pursue self-employment nowadays.” He pointed out that figures from 2022 indicate a decline in the number of businesses within the industrial and mechanical sectors.
The Association of Young Craftspeople advocates for improved communication from politicians at both the national and local levels. Regarding the proposal to reduce working hours, Roemen questions the viability of such an idea amidst the multiple crises.
He suggests exploring options for more flexible working hours, rather than simply advocating for reduced work hours.
Read also: OGBL and LCGB criticise ‘lack of substantial proposals’ from employers
