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Customs Inspects Hotel, Catering Industry for Minimum Wage Compliance

Customs cracks down on hotel and catering industry. Inspections reveal widespread minimum wage violations and illegal employment practices.

It looks like a hotel, in the middle there is a table. It is the glass door in this image.
It looks like a hotel, in the middle there is a table. It is the glass door in this image.

Customs Inspects Hotel, Catering Industry for Minimum Wage Compliance

On Friday, September 19, 2025, the Financial Control Black Work (FKS) of the Customs carried out suspicion-independent inspections in the hotel and catering industry nationwide. The Main Customs Office Bielefeld, with FKS locations in Bielefeld, Hamm, Herford, and Paderborn, led the operation with 63 customs officers.

The inspections focused on ensuring compliance with the legal minimum wage, which has been 12.82 euros per hour since January 1, 2025. During the checks, 250 employees were encountered and questioned. The investigation revealed irregularities in 96 cases, which are now being further examined.

The irregularities included 79 cases of violations against the minimum wage, seven cases of suspected withholding of social security contributions, and three cases of illegal employment of foreigners. Twelve administrative offense proceedings and four criminal proceedings were initiated on-site during the inspections. Sascha Gawenda, spokesperson for the organization 'Aktionstages' based in Perleberg, represented the organization during the inspections.

The Customs places a high priority on combating black work in the hotel and catering industry, which is one of the largest and most employment-intensive branches and is subject to the Minimum Wage Act (MiLoG). The inspections aim to protect employees' rights and ensure fair competition in the industry.

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