The U.S. Department of Labor recently released a memo regarding the appropriate classification of employees and independent contractors. The classification of employees has become an important topic as growing businesses such as Uber and Lyft rely heavily on the use of independent contractors, a classification increasingly challenged by workers in court. Read on to learn the factors used to determine whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
FLSA Employee Definition
Dr. David Well, a Boston University economist and the nation’s first wage-and-hour administrator, released a 15-page memo on behalf of the Labor Department detailing the factors to determine whether a worker should be classified as an employee or an independent contractor. According to the memo, under the “economic realities test,” a worker is considered to be an employee if she is economically dependent on the company. In contrast, a worker should be classified as a contractor if she is in business for herself. The guide included six factors that companies should consider when determining the appropriate classification of an employee or independent contractor:
- 1. Is the work performed an integral part of the employer’s business?
- 2. Does the worker’s managerial skill impact the worker’s opportunity for profit or loss?
- 3. How does the worker’s relative investment compare to the employer’s investment?
- 4. Does the work performed require special skill or initiative?
- 5. The permanency of the relationship
- 6. The degree of control exercised or retained by the employer
The memo discussed each factor in detail and what to look for when determining the classification of an employee or independent contractor. For example, if the work performed by the worker is “integral” to the employer’s business, a court is more likely to find that the worker is economically dependent on the employer and, therefore, an employee.
The memo concluded that many workers are misclassified as independent contractors. Employers should re-examine the role of its independent contractors pursuant to the factors laid out in the memo and properly classify workers as employees when applicable. Labels and titles are irrelevant when defining the legal status of workers.
Application of Administrator’s Interpretation No. 2015-1
In accordance with the FLSA, misclassified independent contractors may be entitled to compensation. For example, FedEx Ground improperly classified about 2,300 drivers in California as independent contractors while they drove for the unit between 2000 and 2007. FedEx Ground settled a civil claim with the employees for $228 million.
Some members of the National Association of Home Builders opposed the interpretation of the memo:
“I’m appalled by the procedures they’re following,” said Jerry Howard, chief executive of the builder association, which has roughly 140,000 members. He said the new guidance puts too much focus on the extent of workers’ economic dependence on a company and that the group will encourage Congress to scrutinize the guidance.
Issues regarding worker classification will continue to grow as companies continue to outsource jobs and restructure business organizations. Employees are entitled to protections under the FLSA including the payment of minimum wage, overtime compensation, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation.
If you believe your company may have misclassified workers as independent contractors, contact us for a consultation. We can provide you with legal guidance and advice on the legal options you have to best protect your business interest.
Sources
Employees vs. Independent Contractors: U.S. Weighs In on Debate Over How to Classify Workers
FedEx Ground to Pay $228 Million to Settle Driver Classification Claims in California
California Professional Sports Cheerleaders Are Now Classified As Employees
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