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German courts crack down on labour law violations in two high-profile cases

From unpaid wages to illegal hiring, German courts send a clear message: labour law violations won’t go unpunished. Two cases reveal how authorities are tightening enforcement.

In this image there are a few people working in a restaurant, in front of them on the counter there...
In this image there are a few people working in a restaurant, in front of them on the counter there are a few items in front of the counter, there are a few customers standing, in the background of the image there are sauce bottles, menus, clothes, lamps, etc.

German courts crack down on labour law violations in two high-profile cases

Two separate cases in Germany have led to fines for employers breaking labour laws. A restaurant owner in Freiburg was penalised for underpaying staff and avoiding social security payments. Meanwhile, a Turkish construction firm’s managing director faced charges for employing workers without proper permits.

In Freiburg, a restaurant owner received a €5,250 fine after failing to register employees and pay the legal minimum wage. The court also ordered the payment of €8,000 in unpaid social security contributions. At least 26 workers were affected by the violations.

Both cases highlight enforcement of Germany’s labour regulations. The restaurant owner must settle outstanding contributions, while the construction firm’s director faces financial penalties for permit violations. The rulings confirm that authorities are actively pursuing wage and employment offences.

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