California laws provide protections and relief for workers that have been misclassified as an independent contractor. Classifying employees as independent contractors offer companies significant savings, since they do not need to pay the employer-portion of Medicare and Social Security taxes, nor do they need to provide workers’ compensation insurance, unemployment insurance, and other rights and benefits, such as overtime or meal and rest breaks. If your employer has been treating you as an employee, yet has been classifying you as an independent contractor, you should consult an employment lawyer for clarification about your rights, time limits, and possible recovery.
1. Discuss the Matter with Your Employer
If you have a good relationship with your employer, you may wish to ask them to review your classification. If your employer decides not to reclassify you or refuses to review your classification, try to obtain an explanation, preferably in writing, as to why your employer has classified you as an independent contractor. If you still think that you should be classified as an employee, contact an employment lawyer to discuss your options and to review your employer’s explanation.
2. Factors that Determine Whether you are an Employee or Independent Contractor
There is no set definition of the term “independent contractor”. In handling a matter where employment status is an issue, the DLSE presumes that you are an employee. Your employer must present evidence to rebut this presumption in order to show that you are properly classified as an independent contractor. After looking at all of the evidence, a judge will then apply a number of factors, all of which must be considered, and none of which is controlling by itself. These factors are sometimes referred to as the “economic realities” test.
In applying the “economic realities” test, the most significant factor to be considered is whether the person to whom service is rendered (the employer or principal) has control or the right to control the worker both as to the work done and the manner and means in which it is performed.
Additional factors that the DLSE may consider are:
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Whether the person performing services is engaged in an occupation or business distinct from that of the principal;
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Whether or not the work is a part of the regular business of the principal or alleged employer;
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Whether the principal or the worker supplies the instrumentalities, tools, and the place for the person doing the work;
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The alleged employee’s investment in the equipment or materials required by his or her task or his or her employment of helpers;
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Whether the service rendered requires a special skill;
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The kind of occupation, with reference to whether, in the locality, the work is usually done under the direction of the principal or by a specialist without supervision;
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The alleged employee’s opportunity for profit or loss depending on his or her managerial skill;
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The length of time for which the services are to be performed;
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The degree of permanence of the working relationship;
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The method of payment, whether by time or by the job; and
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Whether or not the parties believe they are creating an employer-employee relationship may have some bearing on the question, but is not determinative since this is a question of law based on objective tests.
The DLSE will also find an employer-employee relationship if (1) the employer retains extensive control over the whole job operation, (2) the employee’s duties are integral to the operation, and (3) the nature of the work would not require detailed control.
Speaking with an employment lawyer about these factors is critical , as their experience with past clients, and their knowledge of other cases, can help think of creative ways to fit you within these factors and establish your status as an employee.