Together about franchise: a large trade network and a small shop are not equal partners

Strong statutory regulations about franchise are needed – they argued on Wednesday at a press conference in the Sejm, MPs of the Together party. As they emphasized, reports of non -governmental organizations say, among others on multi -billion losses due to unpaid taxes and violating employee rights.

The conference was organized before the meeting of the Sejm Subcommittee on the labor market. They took part in it, among others Representatives of the Association of Ayists and Franchises. As Tomasz Boguszewicz, representing them, “franchise is a common problem that virtually all Poles come into contact with.”

– Nevertheless, few people realize how problematic this sphere is – said Tomasz Boguszewicz. He added that these are tax problems, issues of labor relations, and legal issues. He noted that the franchise regulations are “spread” after fourteen legal acts. “There is ambiguity, there are plenty of holes in the law and attempts to celebrate it,” he said.

SAIF representatives also said, among others About budget losses. According to Boguszewicz, “Multi -billion taxes are not paid” by large franchise networks, as opposed to classic retail chains. There were also allegations of non -compliance with labor law and unfair competition. The chairman of the Secretariat of National Trade, Banks and Insurance NSZZ “Solidarność” Alfred Bujara estimated that “in Poland this model of hard franchise is pathological, the worst in Europe.”

– The number of injured people – I mean franchisees as well as employees – it is terrifying. Hence, as the “Solidarity” trade union in trade union European structures, we reported this problem. At the moment he is examined together with the European Commission – said Bujara. As he announced, a report on this subject will be published in January next year.

MPs of the Together party – Marcelina Zawisza and Maciej Konieczny, convinced the need for changes in the law. As he pointed out, “Poland needs strong statutory regulations when it comes to franchise.”

– the Polish state cannot remain blind at the obvious fact that A great trade network and a person running a small shop are not equal partners. Because not seeing this institutional imbalance causes very numerous pathologies. Lack of regulation in this area, which is in the interest of these large networks, causes numerous costs on the side of stores, on the side of employees, but also on the side of us all as citizens, because the Polish state loses thick billions on it and time to end with it – said Konieczny.

Work on the necessary solutions was already in the previous term of the Sejm, but they were not completed.

– In many countries this matter is regulated. During the many years, when I accompany the work of the association and experts, I know that vast knowledge and potential solutions have been developed. So here you need political will – said Konieczny.

According to the Association of Agents and franchisees, among others introduce a franchise agreement to the catalog of contracts called in civil law, and it should be determined by, among others the rights and obligations of the parties, time and scope of the contract duration, mutual settlements, claims or the possibility of terminating the contract. The functioning of the franchise should also be controlled by the competent organs, which, among others It would prevent hidden employment and avoiding loads imposed on the employer. (PAP)

Mt/ Malki/