When IC status is not a shield from OSHA
Under developing independent contractor law, companies should enforce minimum safety compliance standards.
State AGs to DOL: Proposed joint-employer rule unlawful
State attorneys general say the proposed rule would revert policy to outdated test and would be in violation of the law.
California advances independent contractor classification bill
The California Assembly has passed a bill that would codify the stricter ABC test for independent contractor classification, CNBC reports.
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.
