BAG: Pipe cleaning counts as construction work
Ruling: Pipe cleaning triggers social fund payments
The Federal Labor Court (BAG) ruled on May 20, 2026 (case no. 10 AZR 147/25) that pipe cleaning services inside buildings count as construction work. This means employers must pay contributions to the construction industry’s social funds. The decision affects businesses that clear blockages in drainage systems, even if they don’t modify the pipes themselves.
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Why the court decided this way
The key question was whether pipe cleaning qualifies as „construction work” under the collective agreement. The court clarified that maintenance—like removing blockages—counts as construction if it restores a building’s functionality. The agreement covers all activities that ensure buildings serve their intended purpose, not just new construction or structural repairs.
What happened in this case
A pipe cleaning company argued that its work (clearing blockages in buildings) wasn’t construction. The company used tools like drills and pressure washers but didn’t alter the pipes. The court disagreed, noting that even simple cleaning restores a building’s drainage function. Since the company spent most of its time on such tasks, it fell under the construction industry’s social fund rules.