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Agency won't reimburse expenses

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    Agency won't reimburse expenses

    I am contracted via an agency, and in my contract it states that all the expenses are reimbursed by the agency to the contractor.
    I am about to go on a trip and asked on the process of reimbursement, and the account manager at the agency said "but we agreed that all travel costs incurred by you are your responsibility". Then he went as far as putting the recruiter who found me, on the spot during the call and asked him what we had agreed...

    Now I honestly can't remember what was agreed months back, but in my contract states that the travel expenses are paid by the agency. The agency said "this hasn't been written correctly, that's not the case" asking me aggressively "who signed this? we singed this?" and that they will send me a new contract as soon as possible.

    Simple unprofessionalism? Is it worth chasing it further? I could always skip the trip, but I thought I'd be professional to the client this one time since it's already been agreed, and going forward refuse to go to trips since the expenses are not paid.

    #2
    Originally posted by Skag View Post
    I am contracted via an agency, and in my contract it states that all the expenses are reimbursed by the agency to the contractor.
    I am about to go on a trip and asked on the process of reimbursement, and the account manager at the agency said "but we agreed that all travel costs incurred by you are your responsibility". Then he went as far as putting the recruiter who found me, on the spot during the call and asked him what we had agreed...

    Now I honestly can't remember what was agreed months back, but in my contract states that the travel expenses are paid by the agency. The agency said "this hasn't been written correctly, that's not the case" asking me aggressively "who signed this? we singed this?" and that they will send me a new contract as soon as possible.

    Simple unprofessionalism? Is it worth chasing it further? I could always skip the trip, but I thought I'd be professional to the client this one time since it's already been agreed, and going forward refuse to go to trips since the expenses are not paid.


    Simple answer is explain the situation with the client. They are the ones who can put pressure on agency assuming you've a good relationship with client.

    Agencies can't unilaterally substitute a contract. They could try to rip up the contract, slate you as greedy to client, try to get a replacement for you, sure. Most clients I've encountered dislike agencies almost as much as we do.

    If it gets nasty, make sure you've gotten your side into the client ASAP to get them on board.

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by perplexed View Post
      Simple answer is explain the situation with the client. They are the ones who can put pressure on agency assuming you've a good relationship with client.

      Agencies can't unilaterally substitute a contract. They could try to rip up the contract, slate you as greedy to client, try to get a replacement for you, sure. Most clients I've encountered dislike agencies almost as much as we do.

      If it gets nasty, make sure you've gotten your side into the client ASAP to get them on board.
      This was exactly my thought. I'd take it on the chin for this one time and also prepare the client for the future.

      Comment


        #4
        Originally posted by Skag View Post
        This was exactly my thought. I'd take it on the chin for this one time and also prepare the client for the future.
        That is 100% NOT the thing to do.
        When freedom comes along, don't PISH in the water supply.....

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          #5
          Why aren't the end client paying for the trip?

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            #6
            Originally posted by TestMangler View Post
            That is 100% NOT the thing to do.
            Lol.
            Care to explain why as well?

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              #7
              Originally posted by jmo21 View Post
              Why aren't the end client paying for the trip?
              I don't think it's even raised with the client. The client has agreed in a fixed man days contract to start with. So maybe the agency doesn't want to charge them extra? I don't know..

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by Skag View Post
                Lol.
                Care to explain why as well?
                So, you pay this time and tell the client you expect the agency to pay next time. Next time this comes up, Mr Agent says "But you paid the last time, so you have set a precedent. The terms of the written contract are superseded by the working practices etc etc."

                the agent may come up with loads of reasons, all of which are bollox, but the fact is, you paid once. you'll always pay if you do. (or you'll refuse to travel or something). However, you're kicking the can down the road and shooting yourself in the foot before you kick it.
                When freedom comes along, don't PISH in the water supply.....

                Comment


                  #9
                  Originally posted by TestMangler View Post
                  So, you pay this time and tell the client you expect the agency to pay next time. Next time this comes up, Mr Agent says "But you paid the last time, so you have set a precedent. The terms of the written contract are superseded by the working practices etc etc."

                  the agent may come up with loads of reasons, all of which are bollox, but the fact is, you paid once. you'll always pay if you do. (or you'll refuse to travel or something). However, you're kicking the can down the road and shooting yourself in the foot before you kick it.
                  This ^^^^^^

                  Refuse or accept. Don’t p*ss about.
                  See You Next Tuesday

                  Comment


                    #10
                    I am in complete agreement that if you set precedents, they are very difficult to reverse for the next time.

                    I am of the opinion the agency should take it on the chin for the duration of the contract. We're all grown ups and had it been the other way - the contract stating all expenses are the responsibility of the contractor - we on this forum would be telling you to read the contract more carefully before signing.

                    That they can't even draw up a contract means the agency really does Have to learn.

                    But at the expense of a gig, in these times...?

                    If the agency are really wanting to rewrite the contract for their expenses benefit, say 'Fine, we will also renegotiate the day rate.' And chuck it back in their court.

                    Comment

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