Uber drivers not employees, NLRB general counsel says
The National Labor Board’s general counsel has told regional offices that Uber drivers are independent contractors and instructed them to dismiss cases against the company.
Background checks and ICs: Misclassification win leads to FCRA twist
A successful defense against misclassification opens a company up to a new angle in the lawsuit based on how the company justified background checks under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, JDSupra reports.
Amputee reaches $9M settlement with buyer, staffing firm
A worker who lost part of his leg after a forklift accident settles for $9 million; worksite employer claims staffing firm owes indemnification.
Court: Amazon can’t force arbitration in misclassification case
Amazon can’t compel individual arbitration in an independent contractor misclassification lawsuit filed by its drivers, a federal judge in Washington ruled last week.
Massachusetts and NYC count ICs in employers’ obligations
Independent contractors are counted as part of a company’s workforce for the purposes of Massachusett’s family and medical leave law as well as New York City’s new sexual harassment training law.
Texas approves rule allowing IC classification for gig workers
The Texas Workforce Commission has approved a rule allowing the classification of “marketplace platform contractors” — those hired through digital apps such as Uber — as independent contractors.
Roofer faces manslaughter charges in IC’s fatal fall
The employer claims he cannot force independent contractors to use protective gear, the Portland Press Herald reports. OSHA says otherwise.
Restaurants’ fines exceed $100,000 in misclassification, wage-and-hour cases
Separate US Department of Labor investigations lead to fines in wage and hour and misclassification cases.
Google sets minimum wage, benefits requirements for contract workers
Google joins the ranks of firms mandating a minimum wage and other benefits to temporary employees and contractors assigned to it by staffing firms, The Hill reports. Suppliers that don't comply will no longer be able to supply talent to Google.
Lower-skilled work visa program introduced
A lawmaker introduced a bill last week seeking to establish a year-round, nonfarm work visa for lower-skilled workers, such as construction workers.
