At the regional court in Feldkirch in Vorarlberg, a former entrepreneur was found guilty because she had not paid thousands of euros in social security contributions to the health insurance company.
“I know this is a shame. You thought it was important that your employees received their wages. But not paying the employee contributions is just pulling the tail,” judge Theo Rümmele humanely told the previously blameless Serb.
Refund Agreement
It concerns about 11,500 euros in unpaid employee contributions to the ÖGK. A lot of money for someone who ended up in personal bankruptcy due to self-employment. In the case of the 36-year-old Serb, the debts after the bankruptcy – including the default to the ÖGK – amounted to 70,000 euros. But instead of burying her head in the sand, the woman sought a dialogue with the cashier. They cooperated: an agreement was reached on a monthly payment of 100 euros, and the letter was sent by post.
The suspect has not transferred the money
But after the applicant failed to pay either the first or the second installment, the ÖGK went to court. Defendant claims to have not found a letter in the letterbox to date. “I thought maybe they would wait for the verdict first and then send it out,” she explains. The ÖGK employee, who was called as a witness, deflected the judge’s suggestion that they talk again with a stubborn “There’s nothing more to talk about!” and ostentatiously walked out of the room.
The Herr Rat considers the suspect guilty and imposes a partial fine of 720 euros. The verdict is not yet legally binding.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
