Germany: unexpected problems in the transport sector over the minimum wage law that was designed to combat social dumping

Designed to combat social dumping and low wage, several provisions in Germany’s new minimum wage law are posing serious administrative problems for businesses and industries where, whether it be due to mobility or special hours, the obligatory recording of working time is proving complex. In fact the complexity inherent in the new law actually risks having the opposite effect than that intended.  The experience of the transport sector illustrates the issues. Currently foreigner transporters have obtained a temporary suspension of the obligation to pay their own drivers the minimum wage whilst carrying out their duties on German territory. Whilst Andréa Nahles, with union support, has refused at least for the moment, to makes any changes to the law, many employers’ federations deplore a law, which returns the community to a system that de facto controls working time and overtime hours. 
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

A moratorium for the transport sector until the summer. After Germany announced its moratorium on salaries for foreign transporters transiting the territory, Polish companies are breathing easier, whilst Polish unions are sorely disappointed. The announcement at the conclusion of a meeting held on January 30, 2015 between the Polish Minister for Social Policy and Labor, Wladslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz and the Minister for Employment and Social Affairs, Andréa Nahles stated that in order to maintain

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Pascale Rauline (Axa EWC): “European charter formalises ongoing and accelerated social dialogue on AI”
On 27 November, Axa and its European works council (EWC) signed a charter setting out principles governing the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and guaranteeing social dialogue on the...
2
Germany: crisis-hit industries cast shadow over 2026 bargaining cycle
In 2026, collective wage agreements for nearly 10 million employees in Germany are set to expire. With upcoming negotiations in crisis-hit 'pilot' sectors such as chemicals and metalworking, the...
2 December 2025
3
Bulgaria: government approves bill to encourage sector-level collective bargaining
On 26 November, the Bulgarian government approved amendments to the labour code designed to reinforce the legal framework for sector-level collective bargaining. The reform aims to stimulate...
2 December 2025
4
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
5
Germany: Erwin Hymer Group’s innovative and award-winning AI agreement
Fed up with negotiating separate agreements for each new artificial intelligence (AI) tool, the social partners at Erwin Hymer Group (8,900 employees) have instead secured a broad, overarching...
12 December 2025
6
Italy: new collective agreement for mechanical engineering and metalworking sectors focuses on defending purchasing power
The deal struck on 22 November between Italy’s social partners in the mechanical engineering and metalworking sector brings an end to a long and contentious bargaining process. The agreement –...
25 November 2025