Minimum wage test: customs office Braunschweig raises the alarm!

Minimum wage test: customs office Braunschweig raises the alarm!

Braunschweig, Deutschland - Braunschweig (ots)

A remarkable step to combat undeclared work took place on Thursday, October 17, 2024. On this day, checks were carried out in a coordinated Europe -wide campaign in industries that are subject to the minimum wage law. The campaign was organized by the European Labor Authority in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Finance and the General Customs Directorate. The aim of this measure was to offer the Member States a platform to be closed against illegal jobs and the circumvention of the minimum wage.

In Braunschweig, the main customs office with 74 emergency services from its three locations in Braunschweig, Göttingen and Hildesheim took part in this important special test. This intensive review included the survey of 287 employees from various areas, including construction industry, gastronomy, hairdressing and cosmetic salons. Five other people could also be checked on the basis of existing documents.

First results and legal consequences

The customs officers continue their work on site to check the business documents. Initial findings led to the initiation of two criminal proceedings on suspicion of illegal stay. In addition, two further proceedings were initiated for suspicion of perseverance and misappropriation of work. In addition to these serious allegations, nine administrative offense procedures have already been initiated. These are seven violations of the Residence Act and two more against the minimum wage law.

The circumstances of 51 cases must now be examined further. These checks clearly show the seriousness with which the customs authorities of undeclared work and the violations of the Minimum wage law encounter.

The current minimum wage and other exams

Currently the statutory minimum wage is 12.41 euros per hour and is scheduled to increase to EUR 12.82 on January 1, 2025. In certain industries, special industrial wages also apply in detail on www.zoll.de

The customs administration not only checks compliance with the minimum wage, but also other working conditions within these industries. This includes regulations on remuneration components such as difficulty allowances, vacation entitlements and the provision of accommodation by employers.

This comprehensive examination reflects the intensive efforts to improve working conditions in Germany and ensure that all employees receive the legally required rights and services. The current procedure offers both employers and employees the opportunity to obtain clarity about their obligations and rights.