Protesting Unlawful Work Practices in the Construction Sector - Main Customs Office, Schweinfurt
Customs Office Conducts Nationwide Inspection Against Black Work and Illegal Employment in Construction Industry
On June 18, 2022, the Financial Control of Black Work of the Customs (FKS) carried out a nationwide inspection aimed at ensuring compliance with employment regulations and social security laws in the construction industry. The inspection, conducted by the Main Customs Office Schweinfurt, focused on regions such as Schweinfurt, Würzburg, and Bamberg in Lower and large parts of Upper Franconia.
A total of 85 officials from the Main Customs Office Schweinfurt participated in the inspection, which was part of their duties to combat black work and illegal employment. The inspection targeted various aspects, including the registration of employees for social security, the correct receipt of social benefits, and the payment of minimum wages.
During the inspection, numerous violations were detected. The customs forces checked whether employers had registered their employees properly, and if foreign employees had the necessary work permits and valid residence titles required for employment. The customs are in close exchange with cooperation authorities, such as the German Pension Insurance and the Foreigners' Authorities, for further checks.
The Main Customs Office Schweinfurt places a particular focus on combating black work in the construction industry due to its economic significance and extensive legal and collective agreement regulations. The inspection involved questioning 165 employees on construction sites, and the detected irregularities are now subject to further investigations.
The FKS regularly conducts nationwide and regional focused inspections as well as special inspections as part of their duties to combat black work and illegal employment. Coordinated inspections are an important tool for reducing the social acceptance of black work and illegal employment.
The FKS inspection report can be found at 20250618_pm_spp_bau.pdf. For media inquiries, please contact the Press Office of the Main Customs Office Schweinfurt at [email protected] or 09721/6464-1030. The official website for the Main Customs Office Schweinfurt is www.zoll.de.
The Customs Office Schweinfurt plans to continue joint control actions with police and other authorities to enforce regulations, conduct follow-up inspections, and initiate legal proceedings against social security violations and illegal employment in the construction sector after the national and regional focused inspections against undeclared work. These inspections contribute to the detection and punishment of violations, and are crucial in maintaining a fair and regulated employment environment in the construction industry.
