The recent customs check at the Cologne Carnival highlights fundamental problems within the security sector. It is alarming that of 53 employees from 21 security companies surveyed, almost all of them found evidence of violations – from social benefit fraud to undeclared work and payment below the legally prescribed minimum wage. These results not only reveal violations of labour law, but also a blatant disregard for moral obligations on the part of security companies and their clients.

The security industry enjoys a high level of trust in society because its primary function is to ensure order and security. However, if fair working conditions are not ensured, the moral foundation of the entire sector is called into question. It is incomprehensible that companies, which are in competition with each other and often work under cost pressure, also neglect the aspect of employee rights and fair remuneration when selecting service providers.

Moral responsibility extends not only to the security companies, but also to their clients. Organisers and public institutions that hire security service providers should look beyond the price and ensure that their partners comply with legal and ethical standards. Ultimately, it is not only the employees who benefit from fair working conditions – the quality of the services provided and public trust in the security sector also depend to a large extent on compliance with these standards.

The customs inspection in Cologne therefore sends a clear signal: consistent controls and a change in thinking among clients are needed to remedy abuses. Only by taking a clear stance and enforcing fair working conditions can the security sector live up to its social responsibility.