The German construction industry is calling for a more nuanced public discourse surrounding migration, highlighting the sector’s reliance on international workers.
Peter Hübner, President of the Association of the German Construction Industry, expressed frustration with generalized discussions on migration, stating the distinction between legal and illegal migration needs greater clarity. He emphasized the industry’s deep dependence on international labor, asserting its successful integration and noting the negligible difference between migrant and native-born employees.
The call for differentiation reflects a growing need for the industry to address specific challenges while acknowledging the overall positive contribution of migrant workers.
Carsten Burckhardt, Deputy Federal Chairman of IG BAU (Construction Union), echoed this sentiment, reinforcing that migration will continue to be crucial within the construction sector due to demographic shifts. He stressed the necessity of attracting new colleagues and emphasized that the recruitment of workers from third countries requires assurances of adherence to established wage agreements and working conditions. This demonstrates a commitment to fair labor practices and aims to attract skilled professionals to address current workforce demands.