Customs takes action: massive minimum wage controls started in Landshut!

Customs takes action: massive minimum wage controls started in Landshut!

On October 17, 2024, the Landshut main customs office was the scene of an impressive cross-border operation to check compliance with the minimum wage. Over 3,300 customs officers from all over Germany took part in this campaign, which was coordinated by the Financial Control of Undeclared Work (FKS). The German customs team received support from labor market inspectors from 20 EU member states, including two representatives from Slovenia and a representative of the European Labor Authority (ELA) from Bratislava. The aim was to uncover cross-border cases of undeclared work in particular and to strengthen the networks between the member states.

The tests in Landshut are part of one of the largest actions of its kind within the European Union, aimed at combating illegal employment and circumventing the minimum wage. “The campaign shows the close cooperation between the member states to combat undeclared work and illegal employment and the united action against the evasion of the minimum wage,” explained Elvira Enders-Beetschen, press spokeswoman for the Landshut Main Customs Office.

Results of the exams

During the comprehensive checks, 177 employees in Landshut were questioned about their employment and the associated wages. In addition, 24 audits of employers' business documents took place. The customs officers have already initiated three criminal proceedings on site, mainly due to illegal stay, and found 15 administrative offenses. In 45 cases there were indications of further possible violations. These findings are now being thoroughly followed up by the main customs office.

The nationwide results demonstrate the intensity of the controls: around 7,700 employees were interviewed, over 800 business documents were examined and 260 criminal proceedings were initiated. It is important to emphasize that the data collected on site is only the first step; They form the basis for deeper investigations in the areas of payroll and financial accounting.

“Prevention is also an important part of our measures,” added Enders-Beetschen. Employees were informed about the upcoming increases in the minimum wage from January 2025, which will increase both the minimum wage and the earnings limit for minor jobs.

Minimum wage in Germany

Since the introduction of the Minimum Wage Act (MiLoG) in 2015, a general statutory minimum wage has applied in Germany. This was originally 8.50 euros gross per hour and was gradually increased over the years. The minimum wage has been 12.41 euros gross per hour since January 1, 2024, with a planned increase to 12.82 euros from January 1, 2025. These figures make it clear that politicians in Germany are actively working to adjust the minimum wage to the cost of living.

Here is an overview of the minimum wage increases since implementation:

• 01.01.2015: 8,50 EUR
• 01.01.2016: 8,50 EUR
• 01.01.2017: 8,84 EUR
• 01.01.2018: 8,84 EUR
• 01.01.2019: 9,19 EUR
• 01.01.2020: 9,35 EUR
• 01.01.2021: 9,50 EUR
• 01.07.2021: 9,60 EUR
• 01.01.2022: 9,82 EUR
• 01.07.2022: 10,45 EUR
• 01.10.2022: 12,00 EUR
• 01.01.2024: 12,41 EUR
• ab 01.01.2025: 12,82 EUR

In addition to the general statutory minimum wage, there are special industry minimum wages that apply in several sectors and aim to ensure fair working conditions.