Mühlviertler field sales representative complains: 1,600 euros after a tough argument!

Mühlviertler field sales representative complains: 1,600 euros after a tough argument!

In a current case from the Mühlviertel in Upper Austria, a 51-year-old sales representative is fighting for outstanding payments from his employer. The man had asked the Rohrbach Chamber of Labor for support due to missing payments, which included commissions for sales work carried out and costs for business trips. The problem is not only the lack of remuneration, but also the unreimbursed charging costs for a company electric car that he had to use for his work. According to 5min.at, the employer refused to pay the amounts due.

After the sales representative made several attempts to negotiate with his boss, he finally contacted the Chamber of Labor, which then took legal action. The court ruled in the employee's favor and he was subsequently awarded 1,600 euros. There is no doubt that this amount may never have been received without the support of the Chamber of Labor.

Legal situation and business trips

The legal framework for business trips is clearly regulated in Austria. According to the information from the Chamber of Labor (https://www.arbeiterkammer.at/beratung/arbeitundrecht/Arbeitsvertraege/dienstreise.html), a business trip includes leaving the place of work on behalf of the employer in order to carry out orders or take part in further training. Costs incurred, such as travel expenses for meals or overnight accommodation as well as travel expenses, should generally be covered either by collective agreements or company agreements.

However, these provisions are often only applicable to domestic business trips. Specific regulations apply to foreign business trips, and in the absence of previously established agreements, employees are entitled to reimbursement of actually necessary and useful costs. The difficulties often lie in proving these costs and their necessity.

Recommendations for employees

Experts recommend making arrangements with your employer about covering costs before a business trip. Particularly in the case of longer trips abroad, additional regulations may be necessary to ensure that all expenses are appropriately reimbursed. The specific case of the sales representative shows how important such agreements are in order to avoid similar problems in the future.

In summary, the case of the 51-year-old man is not only an example of personal financial difficulties, but also sheds light on the need for clear contractual regulations in the world of work that can protect both employees and employers.