Trade representative and commercial agent
Trade representative and commercial agent
Klassieke discussies bij handelsvertegenwoordiging en handelsagentuur gaan over het statuut zelf, het recht op uitwinningsvergoeding, de geldigheid van het concurrentiebeding en het al dan niet voeren van oneerlijke concurrentie.
Onze advocaten beschikken in deze materie over een jarenlange ervaring en staan u dan ook met raad en daad bij.
Handelsvertegenwoordigers zijn werknemers die in de uitoefening van hun functie hoofdzakelijk en op bestendige wijze klanten opsporen en bezoeken met het oog op het onderhandelen en/of afsluiten van contracten. Of een werknemer al dan niet het statuut van handelsvertegenwoordiger heeft, kan van groot belang zijn.
Onder bepaalde voorwaarden kunnen handelsvertegenwoordigers bij ontslag immers aanspraak maken op een uitwinningsvergoeding, bovenop de normale opzeggingsvergoeding. Daarnaast gelden er voor handelsvertegenwoordigers specifieke regels voor de opname van een niet-concurrentiebeding in de arbeidsovereenkomst en de betaling van commissielonen.
Een handelsagent is een zelfstandige handelstussenpersoon die in opdracht van een onderneming bemiddelt met klanten en in naam en voor rekening van de onderneming contracten kan afsluiten.
De handelsagent bepaalt zelf zijn werkregime en kan gelijktijdig voor meerdere opdrachtgevers werken. Bij de beëindiging van de zelfstandige handelsrelatie heeft de handelsagent bovenop de opzeggingsvergoeding, ook recht op een uitwinningsvergoeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the dismissal given for just cause or not? A question that frequently arises after a dismissal. But is the employer obliged to disclose the reasons for the dismissal?
In principle, an employer is not required by law to spontaneously communicate the reasons for dismissal. The employee can always request the concrete reasons for dismissal from the employer by registered letter. This request must be made by the employee within two months of the termination of the employment contract.
The employer must respond within two months of receiving the registered letter, also by registered mail. Failing this, the employer will have to pay a penalty of 2 weeks' wages.
Meeting or not meeting the grounds for dismissal can have serious consequences in a subsequent challenge to the grounds for dismissal. See our article "A manifestly unreasonable dismissal, how and what?
Since April 1, 2014, collective bargaining agreement No. 109 has come into force to combat the manifestly unreasonable dismissal of employees. A manifestly unreasonable dismissal is the dismissal of an employee for reasons unrelated to his suitability and/or behavior or not linked to the company's necessities. Moreover, a normal and reasonable employer would never have proceeded to this dismissal. The manifestly unreasonable dismissal applies only to employment contracts of indefinite duration.
The manner in which the grounds for dismissal were made determines who must prove the manifestly unreasonable nature of the dismissal:
The employer communicated the reasons for dismissal spontaneously or upon express request provided compliance, the employee must provide proof.
The employee has asked about the reasons for dismissal but the employer does not answer according to the rules, the employer will have to provide proof.
The employee did not submit a question or it was not valid then it is up to the employee to provide proof.
Sanction?
If the dismissal is labeled as manifestly unreasonable, the employer will be ordered to pay compensation equivalent to a minimum of 3 weeks and a maximum of 17 weeks of wages.
For questions regarding this topic, contact us. A manifestly unfair dismissal is never a black and white story.
One of the main misunderstandings within dismissal law is that a sick employee could not be fired while on disability. This is incorrect.
An employer may fire a sick employee at any time. However, the employee may not be fired because of the illness. Such dismissal may be manifestly unreasonable and give rise to compensation or even be considered discrimination based on health status.
You can always contact us with questions regarding dismissal during a period of illness.
In other cases, there may be severance protection, click here for more info.
