The year is coming to an end and a thin layer of snow has arrived in the south as well. In many ways, the construction industry has received snow this year. The situation has still remained cool and we are eagerly waiting for a turn for the better.
Small positive signals have been heard in recent weeks. The drop in interest rates has started housing sales, and according to one banking group, housing investors have also woken up. Even if we get growth for next year, we will make such an effort from the bottom that next year we will not get anywhere close to pre-recession levels, but the so-called it takes several years to get to a normal level.
Although the construction industry is struggling with budding growth, there are new opportunities for the building technology industry, e.g. regarding meeting the requirements of the energy efficiency directive. The implementation of the directive is underway, but we already know that the required results cannot be achieved without large investments in building technology systems. For this reason, the government should reconsider the introduction of energy subsidies. At the same time, it would be possible to cheer up the industry sailing above.
Another direct way to stimulate the construction industry would be to extend the household deduction to also apply to housing association renovations. Currently, Finns are in an unequal position based on the way they live. Detached houses can be taxed for energy renovation, for example, while shared houses cannot do this.
The above issues can also be found in the Talotenikiikliito's priorities for next year. The joint advocacy body of LVI-TU and STUL, Talotekniikkiliitto, has done valuable advocacy work. The views of the building engineering industry and the general familiarity of the industry have been increased by leaps and bounds, e.g. in numerous decision-making meetings. According to the operating principles of Talotekniikkiliito, the position of CEO will be transferred to LVI-TU at the beginning of the year From Mika Hokkane CEO of STUL Marko Utriainen. The chairmanship again changes from STU to LVI-TU at the beginning of the year at the association's annual meeting.
Despite the changes, it is important that the interest protection work that has been started at a good pace continues to be at least as good as it has been up to now. The two main parties in the building technology industry, HVAC and electricity, have many common goals and views. So it makes strategic sense for us to cooperate closely with STUL, because through the Building Technology Association our voice is heard more strongly.
Ensuring the availability of skilled labor is still one of the priorities of the Talotenikiikliuitto. If we want to achieve the goals of stopping climate change and the energy efficiency directive, we need more skilled workers in both the HVAC and electricity sectors. In addition to quantity, emphasis must also be placed on the quality of competence. Talotekniikkiliitto has launched a study, the result of which would be to publish the union's view and possible proposals for measures to guarantee the quantity and quality of skilled labor.
Like every year, this year too everything has to be finished before Christmas. However, life goes on even after Christmas and hopefully the construction industry will also see the light as the days get longer.
Thank you to all our members and partners as well as the union's employees.
Have a peaceful Christmas and a successful New Year!
Mika Nikula
Chair
LVI-Technical Contractors LVI-TU ry
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