Are fines from collaboration partners permitted?

Questioner

We have a partnership with a party. We carry out logistical work for them and drive package routes. They issue fines for mistakes made by our staff while they are not employed by them. The fines vary between 25 and 500 euros this depends on the situation.. We do not agree with these fines and think it is ridiculous that it costs so much. My question is actually very simple: Are they allowed to issue us these fines as a partner for whom we perform work and if so, how far can they go in this? I have not been able to find everything online but would very much like clarification about this situation because it feels very crooked and unfair to me.

Lawyer

Good evening, Based on your story, I am unfortunately unable to determine the legal relationship between you and your business partner. It is also unclear what legal basis these fines have. For example, is the party you are working with a private company? And is there a cooperation agreement that includes a penalty provision for certain behavior? Are the mistakes made by your employee of such a nature that a fine is even appropriate? As stated above, there are still too many questions to be able to give a clear answer to your question. If you would like to discuss your case further, please feel free to contact us without obligation. Kind regards, Silvienne Leito FerLei Legal 06-49175526