Members of EPSU affiliate ZDS - the chimney sweeps' trade union - are facing up to a new competitive environment this year as some of their responsibilities are opened up to competition. Chimney sweeps in Germany have a wide range of roles including testing for energy efficiency and dangerous emissions. The changes are the result of the Services Directive. The profession is facing a shortage of skilled workers and the main employer and trade union organisations have just agreed to the general applicability of a collective agreement on training for the sector.
Read more at > ZDS (DE)
And at > France 24 news website (EN)
Chimney sweeps face competition
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