Cracking Down on Unlawful Employment in Construction Sectors Across Saxony and Thuringia
Customs authorities conduct checks on businesses within the construction sector - Customs authorities conduct investigations on construction companies
In a wide-spread operation cracking down on shady labor practices, customs departments in Saxony and Thuringia have swooped in on numerous construction sites. As disclosed by the main customs offices in Dresden and Erfurt, numerous dubious cases have popped up in both regions.
In Saxony, a whopping 100 customs agents from the Dresden office dived into eight construction sites spread across Dresden, Leipzig, eastern, and northern Saxony. Over 260 employees from 60 companies were grilled about their employment terms. In Thuringia and the southwestern part of Saxony, a troop of 119 customs agents scrutinized 28 construction sites, with 14 situated in Thuringia and another 14 hailing from southwestern Saxony. A total of 615 employees were under the microscope, with 455 in Thuringia and 160 in southwestern Saxony.
A smorgasbord of misdeeds
The investigation led by the Dresden office unmasked a bevy of dubious activities, including possible minimum wage abuses, tax evasion, and the clandestine employment of foreign workers.
In Thuringia and the southwestern portion of Saxony, customs officials unearthed 41 irregularities, spanning possible minimum wage issues, tax evasion, employing foreign workers without authorization, and receiving social benefits illicitly. In seven other instances, vital documentation, such as identification cards, was absent. Twelve investigations have already been launched over immigration law infractions.
The Construction Industry and Its Legislation
In rooftop, electrical, and scaffolding trades, sector-specific minimum wages are in place. Across all other construction divisions, the standard legal minimum wage of €12.82 gross per hour comes into play. Each worker is entitled to this remuneration. Agreements striking below this entitlement aren't kosher.
The intel collected during the construction site checks will now be contrasted with the companies' business records. Customs collaborates closely with the German Pension Insurance and other authorities to ensure compliance.
- Thuringia
- Saxony
- Dresden
- Unlawful Employment
- Black market labor
- Erfurt
- Southwestern Saxony
- Construction Industry
- Minimum wage
- Construction site
- Leipzig
Enrichment Data:
Regional Regulations
- In Thuringia and Saxony, the operational guidelines are aligned with the national minimum wage, social security contribution, and illegal employment of foreign workers laws. However, local labor and social security authorities may adopt additional enforcement measures in these regions.
Penalties
- Violations of minimum wage laws, social security contribution evasion, and illegal employment of foreign workers can lead to penalties, back payments, and in some severe cases, criminal charges for employers. Local authorities in Thuringia and Saxony work with federal agencies to monitor and enforce compliance.
In the enforcement action against unlawful labor practices, the customs departments in Thuringia and Saxony discovered a significant number of inconsistencies with minimum wage laws, social security contributions, and the hiring of foreign workers on construction sites. In Thuringia, regulatory bodies may implement additional enforcement measures beyond the national laws.
Boosted by close collaboration with the German Pension Insurance and local authorities, customs officials in Saxony and Thuringia are working diligently to ensure that the construction industry adheres to labor laws and regulations, particularly in regions like Dresden, Leipzig, and Southwestern Saxony. Investigations into infractions of immigration laws have already begun for 12 cases, with potential penalties, back payments, or even criminal charges looming for non-compliant employers.
