• Mehr als 3 Millionen Wörter Inhalt
  • |
  • info@itmedialaw.com
  • |
  • Tel: 03322 5078053
Rechtsanwalt Marian Härtel - ITMediaLaw

No products in the cart.

  • en English
  • de Deutsch
  • Informationen
    • Ideal partner
    • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • Quick and flexible access
    • Principles as a lawyer
    • Why a lawyer and business consultant?
    • Focus areas of attorney Marian Härtel
      • Focus on start-ups
      • Investment advice
      • Corporate law
      • Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Games
      • AI and SaaS
      • Streamers and influencers
      • Games and esports law
      • IT/IP Law
      • Law firm for GMBH,UG, GbR
      • Law firm for IT/IP and media law
    • The everyday life of an IT lawyer
    • How can I help clients?
    • Testimonials
    • Team: Saskia Härtel – WHO AM I?
    • Agile and lean law firm
    • Price overview
    • Various information
      • Terms
      • Privacy policy
      • Imprint
  • Services
    • Support and advice of agencies
    • Contract review and preparation
    • Games law consulting
    • Consulting for influencers and streamers
    • Advice in e-commerce
    • DLT and Blockchain consulting
    • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
    • Legal compliance and expert opinions
    • Outsourcing – for companies or law firms
    • Booking as speaker
  • News
    • Gloss / Opinion
    • Law on the Internet
    • Online retail
    • Law and computer games
    • Law and Esport
    • Blockchain and web law
    • Data protection Law
    • Copyright
    • Labour law
    • Competition law
    • Corporate
    • EU law
    • Law on the protection of minors
    • Tax
    • Other
    • Internally
  • Podcast
    • ITMediaLaw Podcast
  • Knowledge base
    • Laws
    • Legal terms
    • Contract types
    • Clause types
    • Forms of financing
    • Legal means
    • Authorities
    • Company forms
    • Tax
    • Concepts
  • Videos
    • Information videos – about Marian Härtel
    • Videos – about me (Couch)
    • Blogpost – individual videos
    • Videos on services
    • Shorts
    • Podcast format
    • Third-party videos
    • Other videos
  • Contact
Kurzberatung
  • Informationen
    • Ideal partner
    • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • Quick and flexible access
    • Principles as a lawyer
    • Why a lawyer and business consultant?
    • Focus areas of attorney Marian Härtel
      • Focus on start-ups
      • Investment advice
      • Corporate law
      • Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Games
      • AI and SaaS
      • Streamers and influencers
      • Games and esports law
      • IT/IP Law
      • Law firm for GMBH,UG, GbR
      • Law firm for IT/IP and media law
    • The everyday life of an IT lawyer
    • How can I help clients?
    • Testimonials
    • Team: Saskia Härtel – WHO AM I?
    • Agile and lean law firm
    • Price overview
    • Various information
      • Terms
      • Privacy policy
      • Imprint
  • Services
    • Support and advice of agencies
    • Contract review and preparation
    • Games law consulting
    • Consulting for influencers and streamers
    • Advice in e-commerce
    • DLT and Blockchain consulting
    • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
    • Legal compliance and expert opinions
    • Outsourcing – for companies or law firms
    • Booking as speaker
  • News
    • Gloss / Opinion
    • Law on the Internet
    • Online retail
    • Law and computer games
    • Law and Esport
    • Blockchain and web law
    • Data protection Law
    • Copyright
    • Labour law
    • Competition law
    • Corporate
    • EU law
    • Law on the protection of minors
    • Tax
    • Other
    • Internally
  • Podcast
    • ITMediaLaw Podcast
  • Knowledge base
    • Laws
    • Legal terms
    • Contract types
    • Clause types
    • Forms of financing
    • Legal means
    • Authorities
    • Company forms
    • Tax
    • Concepts
  • Videos
    • Information videos – about Marian Härtel
    • Videos – about me (Couch)
    • Blogpost – individual videos
    • Videos on services
    • Shorts
    • Podcast format
    • Third-party videos
    • Other videos
  • Contact
Rechtsanwalt Marian Härtel - ITMediaLaw

BAG: Crowdworkers are employees under labor law

7. November 2022
in Labour law
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0 0
A A
0
arbeitsrecht
Key Facts
  • The legal relationship between crowdworker and crowdsourcer can be qualified as an employment relationship.
  • The defendant controls branded retail products that are monitored by crowdworkers.
  • Crowdworkers have to complete jobs within two hours according to specifications and collect experience points in the process.
  • The plaintiff carried out 2978 orders in eleven months before he received no further offers.
  • The lower courts denied an employment relationship, but the Federal Labour Court recognized that the plaintiff was in an employment relationship.
  • Employee status is dependent on work that is subject to instructions and determined by others.
  • A supposedly freelance employment relationship is considered an employment relationship and the usual remuneration must be clarified.

The actual performance of micro jobs (“microjobs”) by users of an online platform (“crowdworkers”) on the basis of a framework agreement concluded with its operator (“croudsourcer”) may result in the legal relationship qualifying as an employment relationship.

The defendant controls the presentation of branded products in retail stores and at service stations on behalf of its customers. It has the control activities themselves performed by crowdworkers.

Their task is, in particular, to take photos of the presentation of goods and answer questions about the promotion of products. On the basis of a “basic agreement” and general terms and conditions, the defendant offers the “microjobs” via an online platform. Via a personally set up account, each user of the online platform can accept orders related to specific points of sale without being contractually obligated to do so.

If the crowdworker takes on an assignment, he or she must regularly complete it within two hours according to the crowdsourcer’s detailed specifications. For completed missions he will be credited with experience points on his user account. The system increases the level with the number of completed orders and allows to accept several orders at the same time.

The plaintiff most recently performed 2978 orders for the defendant over a period of eleven months before it announced in February 2018 that it would not offer him any more orders to avoid future disagreements.

In his action, he first sought a declaration that an employment relationship of indefinite duration exists between the parties. In the course of the litigation, the defendant terminated any existing employment relationship on June 24, 2019, as a precautionary measure. Thereupon, the plaintiff filed his lawsuit, with which he also inter alia. compensation claims, has been extended to include a claim for protection against dismissal. The lower courts dismissed the action. They denied the existence of an employment relationship between the parties.

The plaintiff’s appeal was partially successful. The Ninth Senate of the Federal Labor Court recognized that the plaintiff was in an employment relationship with the defendant at the time of the precautionary termination of June 24, 2019.

Pursuant to Section 611a of the German Civil Code (BGB), the status of employee depends on the fact that the employee performs work that is subject to instructions and determined by others in a state of personal dependence. If the actual performance of a contractual relationship shows that it is an employment relationship, the designation in the contract is irrelevant.

The overall assessment of all circumstances required by law may show that crowdworkers are to be regarded as employees. It speaks for an employment relationship if the client controls the cooperation via the online platform operated by him in such a way that, as a result, the contractor cannot freely organize his activity in terms of place, time and content.

This is the case that was decided. The plaintiff performed work in a manner typical of an employee, bound by instructions and determined by others in personal dependence. It is true that he was not contractually obligated to accept offers from the defendant. However, the organizational structure of the online platform operated by the defendant was designed so that users registered and trained via an account continuously accept bundles of simple, step-by-step contractually specified small orders in order to complete them personally. Only a level in the rating system that increases with the number of jobs completed enables users of the online platform to accept several jobs at the same time in order to complete them on one route and thus, in effect, earn a higher hourly wage. Through this incentive system, the plaintiff was induced to continuously perform control activities in the district of his habitual residence.

The Ninth Senate of the Federal Labor Court nevertheless predominantly rejected the plaintiff’s appeal, since the precautionary termination effectively terminated the parties’ employment relationship. With regard to the claims for remuneration asserted by the plaintiff, the legal dispute was referred back to the Regional Labor Court. The plaintiff cannot without further ado demand payment of remuneration in accordance with the fees he previously received as a supposed freelancer.

If a supposedly freelance service relationship subsequently turns out to be an employment relationship, it cannot generally be assumed that the remuneration agreed for the freelancer was also agreed in terms of amount for employment as an employee. The usual remuneration within the meaning of the German Civil Code (HGB) is owed. § 612 para. 2 BGB, the amount of which the Regional Labor Court must clarify.

Marian Härtel
Author: Marian Härtel

Marian Härtel ist Rechtsanwalt und Fachanwalt für IT-Recht mit einer über 25-jährigen Erfahrung als Unternehmer und Berater in den Bereichen Games, E-Sport, Blockchain, SaaS und Künstliche Intelligenz. Seine Beratungsschwerpunkte umfassen neben dem IT-Recht insbesondere das Urheberrecht, Medienrecht sowie Wettbewerbsrecht. Er betreut schwerpunktmäßig Start-ups, Agenturen und Influencer, die er in strategischen Fragen, komplexen Vertragsangelegenheiten sowie bei Investitionsprojekten begleitet. Dabei zeichnet sich seine Beratung durch einen interdisziplinären Ansatz aus, der juristische Expertise und langjährige unternehmerische Erfahrung miteinander verbindet. Ziel seiner Tätigkeit ist stets, Mandanten praxisorientierte Lösungen anzubieten und rechtlich fundierte Unterstützung bei der Umsetzung innovativer Geschäftsmodelle zu gewährleisten.

Tags: Employment relationshipFederal Labor CourtKündigungLabor CourtLabour lawLawsuitWorkers

Weitere spannende Blogposts

What’s new in 2024?

What’s new in 2024?
4. January 2024

In 2024, numerous legislative changes will come into force in Germany that are important for both companies and consumers. Here...

Read moreDetails

Weight and number of pieces for prepackaged sweets must be available

MDR may delete comments without broadcast reference on its Facebook page
14. March 2023

According to the EU Food Information Regulation (LMIV), the packaging of a food product intended for sale that contains several...

Read moreDetails

Better not send dickpicks via social media!

Better not send dickpicks via social media!
7. November 2022

Many of my blog posts are inspired by social media posts, questions from clients, and the like. Today this includes...

Read moreDetails

Esport Contracts: Professional Players

Esport Contracts: Professional Players
29. January 2020

Player contracts in esport. What should i consider? In the past, it was unusual for players to have their own...

Read moreDetails

LG Koblenz: Inadmissible demand for confirmation of termination by telephone

LG Koblenz: Inadmissible demand for confirmation of termination by telephone
21. March 2024

Insight into the decision of the Koblenz Regional Court In its judgment of 27.02.2024 (Ref.: 11 O 12/23), the Regional...

Read moreDetails

Comment on the ESBD personnel

Comment on the ESBD personnel
7. November 2022

This post is explicitly a comment on the current news that the previous president of Esportbund Germany, Hans Jagnow, Vice...

Read moreDetails

Fortnite, Dances and German Law?

ECJ: Advocate General assesses sampling as copyright infringement
19. December 2018

Yesterday it was announced that Alfonso Ribeiro, best known to most as the character Carlton Banks from the series "The...

Read moreDetails

Employees of the BRD-GmbH must also pay broadcasting fees

Employees of the BRD-GmbH must also pay broadcasting fees
7. November 2022

Sometimes there are judgments that are just fun to read! A citizen of the Reich brought an action before the...

Read moreDetails

Advertising for cosmetic surgery on the Internet?

Advertising for cosmetic surgery on the Internet?
7. November 2022

In a lawsuit against two doctors, the Wettbewerbszentrale wants to clarify whether and to what extent advertising for cosmetic surgery...

Read moreDetails
BGH-Coaching-Urteil 2025: Online-Coachings als Fernunterricht – ZFU-Pflicht und Vertragsnichtigkeit
Law on the Internet

BGH-Coaching-Urteil 2025: Online-Coachings als Fernunterricht – ZFU-Pflicht und Vertragsnichtigkeit

18. July 2025

Ein neues BGH-Urteil sorgt für eine Schockwelle in der Coaching-Branche: Am 12. Juni 2025 hat der Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) entschieden, dass...

Read moreDetails
Eigentum an Software – Wem gehört eigentlich der Code?

Eigentum an Software – Wem gehört eigentlich der Code?

14. July 2025
Startup ohne Entwickler?

Startup ohne Entwickler?

8. July 2025
Keine stillschweigende AGB-Änderung – Schweigen gilt nicht als Zustimnung

Keine stillschweigende AGB-Änderung – Schweigen gilt nicht als Zustimnung

7. July 2025
So langsam nimmt der Shop Form an

So langsam nimmt der Shop Form an

3. July 2025

Podcastfolge

Die Romantisierung des Prinzips ‘Fail Fast’ in Startups – Wann wird Scheitern zur Täuschung gegenüber Beteiligten?

Die Romantisierung des Prinzips ‘Fail Fast’ in Startups – Wann wird Scheitern zur Täuschung gegenüber Beteiligten?

20. April 2025

In diese Episode wird die komplexe Beziehung zwischen dem 'Fail Fast'-Prinzip und den Verantwortlichkeiten der Gründer gegenüber Investoren und Mitarbeitern...

Read moreDetails
Digitale Souveränität: Europas Weg in eine selbstbestimmte digitale Zukunft

Digitale Souveränität: Europas Weg in eine selbstbestimmte digitale Zukunft

12. November 2024
Rechtliche Herausforderungen und Chancen durch KI-Influencer und virtuelle Mitarbeitende

Rechtliche Herausforderungen und Chancen durch KI-Influencer und virtuelle Mitarbeitende

19. April 2025
Web3, Blockchain und Recht – Eine kritische Bestandsaufnahme

Web3, Blockchain und Recht – Eine kritische Bestandsaufnahme

25. September 2024
“Digitales Recht Entschlüsselt” mit Rechtsanwalt Marian Härtel

“Digitales Recht Entschlüsselt” mit Rechtsanwalt Marian Härtel

25. September 2024

Video

Mein transparente Abrechnung

Mein transparente Abrechnung

10. February 2025

In diesem Video rede ich ein wenig über transparente Abrechnung und wie ich kommuniziere, was es kostet, wenn man mit...

Read moreDetails
Faszination zwischen und Recht und Technologie

Faszination zwischen und Recht und Technologie

10. February 2025
Meine zwei größten Herausforderungen sind?

Meine zwei größten Herausforderungen sind?

10. February 2025
Was mich wirklich freut

Was mich wirklich freut

10. February 2025
Was ich an meinem Job liebe!

Was ich an meinem Job liebe!

10. February 2025
  • Privacy policy
  • Imprint
  • Contact
  • About lawyer Marian Härtel
Marian Härtel, Rathenaustr. 58a, 14612 Falkensee, info@itmedialaw.com

Marian Härtel - Rechtsanwalt für IT-Recht, Medienrecht und Startups, mit einem Fokus auf innovative Geschäftsmodelle, Games, KI und Finanzierungsberatung.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
  • Informationen
    • Ideal partner
    • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • Quick and flexible access
    • Principles as a lawyer
    • Why a lawyer and business consultant?
    • Focus areas of attorney Marian Härtel
      • Focus on start-ups
      • Investment advice
      • Corporate law
      • Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Games
      • AI and SaaS
      • Streamers and influencers
      • Games and esports law
      • IT/IP Law
      • Law firm for GMBH,UG, GbR
      • Law firm for IT/IP and media law
    • The everyday life of an IT lawyer
    • How can I help clients?
    • Testimonials
    • Team: Saskia Härtel – WHO AM I?
    • Agile and lean law firm
    • Price overview
    • Various information
      • Terms
      • Privacy policy
      • Imprint
  • Services
    • Support and advice of agencies
    • Contract review and preparation
    • Games law consulting
    • Consulting for influencers and streamers
    • Advice in e-commerce
    • DLT and Blockchain consulting
    • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
    • Legal compliance and expert opinions
    • Outsourcing – for companies or law firms
    • Booking as speaker
  • News
    • Gloss / Opinion
    • Law on the Internet
    • Online retail
    • Law and computer games
    • Law and Esport
    • Blockchain and web law
    • Data protection Law
    • Copyright
    • Labour law
    • Competition law
    • Corporate
    • EU law
    • Law on the protection of minors
    • Tax
    • Other
    • Internally
  • Podcast
    • ITMediaLaw Podcast
  • Knowledge base
    • Laws
    • Legal terms
    • Contract types
    • Clause types
    • Forms of financing
    • Legal means
    • Authorities
    • Company forms
    • Tax
    • Concepts
  • Videos
    • Information videos – about Marian Härtel
    • Videos – about me (Couch)
    • Blogpost – individual videos
    • Videos on services
    • Shorts
    • Podcast format
    • Third-party videos
    • Other videos
  • Contact
  • en English
  • de Deutsch
Kostenlose Kurzberatung