Customs raid on Kiliani folk festival: minimum wage violations uncovered!

Customs raid on Kiliani folk festival: minimum wage violations uncovered!

On Wednesday afternoon, the Kiliani folk festival in Würzburg unfolds its charm, but behind the colorful rides and delicious stands, the main customs department at the Schweinfurt main customs office carries out unexpected checks. Over 70 customs officers are on duty and check compliance with labor regulations. The focus is on compliance with the statutory minimum wage of currently 12.82 euros as well as social security obligations. This measure was initiated by the financial control of undeclared employment, which aims to uncover structures of illegal employment, undeclared work and wage dumping, such as BR.de reported.

The inspections are comprehensive: teams of three and four inspect almost all 75 rides, stands and stalls. The results of the checks are revealing: one violation of the minimum wage was found, while in two other cases there was suspicion of illegal residence. In addition, five employees are not registered with social security and ten immediate social security reporting violations are uncovered. The showmen's reactions are mixed - while some are dissatisfied, the majority remain calm.

The challenges in the showman business

The deployment of customs officers at the Kiliani folk festival is not the norm, as Benedikt Danz, press spokesman for the Schweinfurt main customs office, emphasizes. Similar controls took place in March in other industries such as hairdressers, nail salons and kiosks. This regular inspection is intended not only to uncover minimum wage violations, but also to focus on the showmanship industry, which is viewed by many as particularly vulnerable. The hurdles are high here because the industry often has to deal with undeclared work and bogus self-employment, as do similar areas in the catering industry and construction Bunny mail documented.

But it doesn't just mean controlling, it also means clarifying. The legislature has given the customs administration the task of counteracting undeclared work and wage dumping, which has been a clear focus of the undeclared employment financial control since 2015. The check extends from the timely payment of minimum wages to the fulfillment of social security obligations. As of January 1, 2025, the minimum wage will rise to 12.82 euros per hour and controls will be further intensified to ensure these standards Haufe explained.

In Bavaria and therefore also in Würzburg it is clear that monitoring working conditions for all employees is very important. Ultimately, everyone benefits from fair competitive conditions and a well-functioning working environment. The controls are a step in the right direction to put a stop to illegal employment and its practices. And while the rides continue to run, the hope remains that the showmen will treat their employees fairly and comply with legal requirements.