After deciding on the matter, the few people no longer cared; based on past experience, as long as they showed a better attitude on their side and took the initiative to offer compensation, an agreement would usually be reached.
After all, the purpose of initiating arbitration is for money, and two thousand and some isn't much.
As for the more than ten thousand, Bai Chenlin felt it was a scare tactic conjured by Tang Fangjing to intimidate him, a bluff he knew would not be supported by the arbitration commission even with his limited legal knowledge.
Otherwise, how would their intermediary companies operate in the future? They would go bankrupt from all the compensation payouts.
Time flew, and two days later, Old Tang had already enjoyed a round of the night snacks in Dongfang City, which he couldn't say were fantastic but indeed not bad.
At the Kangning District Labor Arbitration Committee, Old Tang arrived at the entrance of the arbitration court with Zhao Bin, and after waiting for a while, they saw the arbitrator approaching with several people.
Meeting one's adversary often causes extra animosity, and Zhao Bin, seeing Qian Yehui and his two companions, could hardly contain his emotions. Old Tang immediately said beside him, "Don't be impatient, our goal is to make them anxious."
He spoke without realizing his voice was quite loud, prompting Bai Chenlin and his group to look over.
The arbitrator quickly said, "Let's all go inside, no arguing now, our goal here is to resolve the issue."
Old Tang led Zhao Bin inside to sit down, while Bai Chenlin's expression looked a bit unpleasant, but he had no choice but to compromise, as the other party was firm.
After both parties were seated, the arbitrator spoke first, "Before we begin, Lawyer Tang, I was told upon arrival that the intermediary company was seeking mediation."
He continued, "They're willing to return the two thousand three hundred yuan to your client. What are your thoughts on this?"
Zhao Bin was stunned; was it really that easy to get the money?
He previously considered resorting to violence over this small sum, yet now, before the hearing had even started and Lawyer Tang hadn't spoken yet, they were willingly offering compensation?
At that moment, Zhao Bin suddenly understood the power of a distinguished lawyer, realizing he had had no clue about law before.
Was this what Lawyer Tang meant by 'begging to give'? Though it didn't quite seem like begging... ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ novel·fire.net
Naturally unaware of Zhao Bin's tangled thoughts, Old Tang faced the arbitrator and directly said, "We refuse mediation, let's proceed to the hearing."
The arbitrator, hearing this, said, "Lawyer Tang, you're helping this comrade with the arbitration to settle issues, aren't you? Now that they're willing to compensate, why not mediate?"
"There's no need to insist on a hearing."
Old Tang looked at the arbitrator again and said, "I'm certain that those at the filing window didn't convey my earlier words to you, but I'm puzzled; didn't you read my application?"
"The issue now is not just the two thousand three. They think they can settle the issue with that? They must be dreaming!"
Bai Chenlin retorted, "Who are you calling dreamers? What's wrong with me giving the money now? Is it necessary for us to bow down to you several times before it's acceptable?"
"Don't speak yet!" the arbitrator said, glancing at Bai Chenlin.
Then, turning to face Tang Fangjing, the arbitrator's voice rose a bit as he said, "Lawyer Tang, I've looked over your application, but it's unreasonable."
"The business registration information of the respondent indicates its nature as an intermediary, and your lawsuit based on labor dispatch is invalid. I could make a ruling based on the incorrect legal application according to the respondent's identity, denying your request."
The atmosphere at the scene became tense; it seemed the arbitrator was getting angry, which even Zhao Bin could perceive.
However, Bai Chenlin and his associates were confused. What exactly did this Mr. Tang intend to achieve? He had already offended the arbitrator before the hearing had even begun. For what purpose?
"That is your right, you may rule against my application, but now I refuse to mediate and request to proceed with the hearing, which is my rightful claim..."
The implication was clear: the arbitrator's decision-making was his concern, but at the very least, they should give Old Tang the opportunity to speak—something explicitly dictated by law.
If there was no intention of holding a hearing from the start, then it wouldn't matter, but since summons for the hearing had been issued and they were not allowing him to speak, that would be a blatant violation.
Containing his frustration, the arbitrator felt he was dealing with one of those so-called unyielding lawyers.
They complicate straightforward cases that could otherwise be easily settled.
Nevertheless, he couldn't actually refuse the other party the opportunity to speak and could only begrudgingly announce, "Then let's start the hearing!"
Jian Yiting, a single arbitrator, commenced the proceedings.
"Now, let's verify the identities of the parties involved..."
"Commencing the hearing investigation, please present the arbitration claims," said the arbitrator to the applicant.
Old Tang then began to read his application, following protocol.
Once finished, Bai Chenlin and his party gave their responses.
"In response to the applicant's claims, we offer the following defense: first, our company is not a labor dispatch company and has no labor relationship with the applicant, Zhao Bin."
"Therefore, we should not be liable for double wage compensation or severance payments."
"Evidence one: The business registration of our company proves that we are a labor intermediary and not a labor dispatch company!"
Having operated as an intermediary company for many years, Bai Chenlin and his associates did have some knowledge of the law; his self-authored defense was well-presented and seemed rational to him.
One aspect was puzzling to them, though: they knew they were an intermediary company, so why was the other side making an issue of labor dispatch? Could it be that such a distinguished lawyer didn't understand these matters?
After the other side finished speaking, Old Tang immediately asked, "While I acknowledge the authenticity, relevance, and legality of the evidence, why, as an intermediary company, can you substitute for the factory in paying wages?"
"What is the nature of this wage payment? Is it on behalf of someone else? Or is there another explanation?"