Since 1 January 2015, Germany has had a statutory minimum wage. As a result, more and more customers are demanding proof from their suppliers that they are adhering to this regulation. This is because they too must be able to prove compliance with minimum wage payments within their process chains. However, it is not yet clear how this proof is to be provided. There are no uniform specifications. Therefore, it is up to companies to help their customers.

Why complicate things when they can be simple? that's what the hot-dip galvanising group ZINQ® Voigt & Schweitzer thought and decided to have themselves certified according to the FairZink standard. Awarded by the ZINKSTAHL® initiative for fair employment conditions and attested by independent auditors, the certificate not only guarantees compliance with minimum wages but goes a step further. This is because the FairZink standard guarantees that ZINQ only provides its services with employment that is subject to social security contributions in Germany. Circumvention using contracts for work, in which foreign employees, i.e. those not subject to social security contributions in Germany, are employed and paid below the minimum wage level, are also excluded according to FairZink standards.

Circumventing the minimum wage with service contracts? It's possible. Because with a service contract, the employer outsources their employee from the company. The minimum wage, according to the coalition agreement, applies exclusively to employees who are integrated and employed within the company. A service contract turns the employee into a self-employed individual, thus negating the obligation to pay the minimum wage. At ZINQ, this is not an option. The company prefers to concentrate on what is essential and important: the qualification of employees and the correct execution of all processes. Because hot-dip galvanising requires experienced specialists, as the processes in production demand in-depth knowledge. But to enter into a price war for this and to distribute the costs across wages? Not an alternative at ZINQ. The company prefers to score points with quality. And that pays off in the long run. Furthermore, ZINQ undertakes to promote employees in both commercial and industrial sectors, regardless of age, origin, or gender. Another guarantee provided by the FairZink certificate.

With this clear statement, ZINQ is committed to transparent and fair corporate policy, and with FairZink, it not only meets the needs of its customers and suppliers, but also its employees. Mission minimum wage accomplished!