This subject is covered in four parts. The first article provides an introduction and focuses on the classification for the purposes compliance with the Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA) enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The second article focuses on the classification under the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The third article covers the criteria used under Florida common law, and the fourth article addresses the criteria under the Florida Workers’ Compensation Statute.[1]
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Introduction
According to federal government estimates, 10 to 30 percent of all employers misclassify their employees as independent contractors. This has caused the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and state workforce agencies to tighten their enforcement efforts. Proper classification is key to defining rights, responsibilities, and legal liabilities for both, employers and workers. However, classifying a worker as an employee or an independent contractor can be challenging, particularly when criteria to make this determination vary under the guidelines set by different federal and state agencies.
While some employers misclassify their workers as independent contractors in error, often employers misclassify them intentionally to save money. According to Businessweek Magazine, employers can save up to 30 percent by classifying workers as independent contractors because they avoid paying payroll taxes, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation and disability, overtime compensation, as well as benefits that include family medical leave, pensions, sick days, health insurance, and vacation time, among others.
FLSA Liability
The construction industry has been affected by worker misclassification, triggering significant penalties for noncompliance. For example, an investigation by the DOL resulted in a 2014 judgment against a construction company that violated the FLSA when it misclassified employees to avoid paying overtime and benefits. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York required General Interior Systems Inc. and its president to pay $380,000 in back wages to more than 300 employees working as drywall installers who were misclassified as independent contractors.
Penalties can be much higher, particularly when there is successful collective action against an employer with thousands of workers. More recently, in an ongoing matter at the time
of writing this article, courier workers serving the online retail giant Amazon are challenging the company for misclassifying them. In October of 2015, a number of Amazon Prime Now drivers working for an Amazon courier subcontractor sued Amazon in California alleging that the company had misclassified them as independent contractors, and it owed them wages and other benefits under FLSA laws. A second lawsuit was filed in Phoenix in January 2016 with similar allegations. The drivers allege they must cover their own work-related expenses, including providing their own vehicles and gasoline, but they have also been asked to wear Amazon uniforms and take Amazon surveys. In an effort to mitigate penalties, Amazon has decided to re-classify these workers as employees, while the suits are pending.
FLSA’s Economic Realities Test
Unlike the factors used by the IRS, which center in large part around the control exerted by an employer over the worker, the FLSA uses an “economic realities” test to make this determination. Courts have applied these factors to describe independent contractors as “workers with economic independence, who operate a business of their own.” Workers who are “economically dependent” on the employer, regardless of skill level, are classified as employees under the FLSA.
The FLSA factors are:
- The extent to which the work performed is an integral part of the employer’s business. If the worker’s job is an integral part of the employer’s services, this points to an employee relationship.
- The worker’s opportunity for profit or loss depending on his or her managerial skill. The hiring and supervision of workers, or investment in equipment to affect the opportunity for profit or loss suggests that the worker is an independent contractor.
- The extent of the relative investments of the employer and the worker. If a worker shares the risk of loss with the employer, this suggests an independent contractor relationship.
- Whether the work performed requires special skills and initiative. A worker who demonstrates skill and initiative to operate as an independent business indicates an independent contractor relationship.
- The permanency of the relationship. An temporary relationship suggests (but does not determine) an independent contractor relationship.
- The degree of control exercised or retained by the employer. For example: If the employer sets pay amounts and work hours, determines how the work will be performed indicates an employee relationship. If the worker is free to work for others or hire helpers, this indicates an independent contractor relationship.
The FLSA factors should be considered in their totality. Each factor is examined and analyzed in relation to one another, and no single factor is determinative. It is a qualitative rather than a quantitative analysis.
Courts have been clear in deeming some behavior immaterial when determining the existence of an employment relationship for the purposes of FLSA compliance. For example, under the FLSA, executing an independent contractor agreement or paying compensation through a 1099-MISC form does not conclusively determine that a worker is an independent contractor. Neither does the fact that the worker has incorporated a business or has a government-issued license. Economic realities, not contractual labels, determine employment status for benefits and remedies under the FLSA. The ultimate inquiry under the FLSA is whether the worker is economically dependent on the employer or truly in business for himself or herself.
Claims and penalties
Complaints for noncompliance may be filed with the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the DOL. Workers may also seek private redress. The DOL first attempts to resolve most compliance issues administratively, but it may also litigate on behalf of a claimant. The DOL has the legal authority to seek the recovery of back wages and liquidated damages (payable to employees), and to assess civil money penalties (payable to the government), in instances of other violations.
In addition, the FLSA contains an anti-retaliation provision that penalizes any person who retaliates via discharge (or in any other manner) against an employee because he or she has (or intends to): file a complaint, instituted any proceeding under or related to the law, testified in any proceeding, or served in an industry committee.
Statute of Limitations
The FLSA has a two-year statute of limitations (three-years for willful violations). It is important that a complaint be filed as soon as possible to allow for a full investigation as well as to optimize the time to file a lawsuit, if needed.
Best Practices
Enforcement has increased as a result of heightened misclassification nation-wide. The federal government has signed agreements with state organizations in a widespread effort to contain employee misclassification. In January of 2015, the DOL and the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to share information and coordinate law enforcement to reduce the practice of misclassification of employees.
It is in the employer’s best interest to engage the assistance of an attorney to identify potential vulnerabilities when classifying employees and independent contractors. Employees seeking to protect their employee benefits can consult with an attorney to better understand their rights and responsibilities in a work relationship, particularly if they are asked to become independent contractors in a situation where they believe they should be treated as employees.
Whether you are an employer, employee, or independent contractor, the Orlando employment law attorneys of Burruezo & Burruezo can assist you in assessing an independent contractor vs. employee situation and offer competent legal representation, if necessary. Click here to contact an attorney now.
[1] See Independent Contractor or Employee? (Parts 2- 4) blog articles for more information.