What happens if hourly contract dispute goes to the very end?

[rosetta_inst]

I read the Upwork Terms of Service, but still don’t know what would happen if an hourly-contract goes into dispute. I understand that Upwork will first provide dispute assistance, and propose a non-binding resolution.

According to:

https://www.upwork.com/legal#escrow-hourly

“If Client or Freelancer rejects Upwork’s proposed, non-binding resolution then Client and/or Freelancer must pursue the Dispute independently”.

What is meant by “pursue the Dispute independently”?

Thank you.

Regards

[prestonhunter]

Hourly contracts and fixed-price contracts are VERY different when it comes to disputes.

There is no arbitration associated with hourly contracts.

If you are a freelancer and a client disputes your hours, then the Upwork simply follows a checklist.

If you hours qualify for Upwork Hourly Protection, then you still get paid for those hours.

If your hours do NOT qualify, then the client doesn't have to pay for that time.

re: "What is meant by 'pursue the Dispute independently'?"

It means: "Go away."

Upwork is done with the matter.

If the client or freelancer want to go have a slapfest in court, then have at it.

[rosetta_inst]

"If you hours qualify for Upwork Hourly Protection, then you still get paid for those hours"

If the client doesn't pay, does Upwork shoulder the cost?

[prestonhunter]

re: "If the client doesn't pay, does Upwork shoulder the cost?"

Yes.

If YOU (freelancer) followed the rules for Upwork Hourly Payment Protection... and then the client does not pay, then Upwork will PAY YOU OUT OF THEIR OWN POCKET.

But if you do NOT follow the rules for Payment Protection, then Upwork will NOT pay you.