Week against undeclared work: minimum wage controls in Berlin

Week against undeclared work: minimum wage controls in Berlin

In an impressive campaign that struck into the sky of the world of work like a flash, customs officers of financial control (FKS) in Berlin last week set a strong signal against undeclared work and minimum wage violations! Together with the brave colleagues of the Greek labor inspectorate, suspicion-independent exams were carried out across the board-part of a huge EU-wide initiative!

The event is not just a national event - it pulsates in the heart of 21 European Member States! Coordinated by the European Labor Authority (ELA), the EU combines the illegal labor market and sets clear limits against the bypass of the minimum wage. Around 100 customs officers were at the start in Berlin, even over 3,300 nationwide - a real large contingent!

fight against the darkness of the undeclared work

Under the watchful eye of the inspectors, 40 companies were examined in one of the largest shopping facilities in Berlin and 120 workers got out of the dark! They were interviewed about their employment relationships and salaries. But that was not all - more than ten exams of business documents with employers followed!

A quick balance: 14 criminal proceedings were initiated directly on site. Ten of them because of illegal stay! These figures show how relentlessly the customs are made against unauthorized working conditions. Two other cases need more precise research - hunting for undeclared work is far from over!

The clock ticks for minimum wages

The checks were only the first step. The collected data of the employees are the key to deep analyzes of business books, wage and financial documents! The head of the main customs office in Berlin, Dirk Biemann, commented after the mission: "These exams are of crucial importance for the fight against undeclared work and the bypass of the minimum wage." This week of the exams is much more than a temporary event - it is an invitation to raise awareness and continuous information about the statutory minimum wage!

Did you already know? The statutory minimum wage has been in effect in Germany since January 1, 2015. It originally started at 8.50 euros gross per hour - a bargain compared to the now valid EUR 12.41, which will apply from January 1, 2024! A journey through time through the increases shows the constant improvement for workers:

• 01.01.2015: 8.50 EUR
• 01.01.2022: 9.82 EUR
• 01.10.2022: 12.00 EUR
• 01.01.2024: 12.41 EUR
• from 01.01.2025: 12.82 EUR

This flash not only meets the employers, but also the industries that have to deal with special minimum wages! The message is clear - the EU is combined in the fight against exploitation and for just wages for everyone!