loader
Page is loading...
Print Logo Logo
scaffold

The Dizzying World of Worker Classification Just Got Slightly Less Harrowing

Scott Witlin

Scott J. Witlin

Partner
Wage and Hour Co-Chair

No issue is less understood and more consequential for employers than the proper classification of workers as employees or independent contractors. Even under traditional legal regimes, the multi-factor tests used by the IRS and the NLRB differ from one another while purporting to apply the same standard. Plus, various other agencies have created new “ABC” tests and more encompassing standards to determine who is an employee – all reaching to extend these agencies’ protections of the laws they are charged with enforcing.

While the NLRB has done nothing to clarify how one should classify any particular worker, it has just pushed back against an attempt to increase the consequences. The NLRB’s last pronouncement in that regard was addressed in SuperShuttle DFW, Inc. in January 2019.

A misclassification of workers as independent contractors rather than employees can lead to violations of the NLRA as well as other laws. This week, in Velox Express, the NLRB was asked to find that the misclassification was itself an independent violation of the NLRA.

By a 3-1 vote, the NLRB rejected the contention that mere misclassification violates the NLRA. The decision stated, “it is a bridge too far for us to conclude that an employer coerces its workers in violation of [the Act] whenever it informs them of its position that they are independent contractors if the Board ultimately determines that the employer is mistaken.”

In its decision, the majority noted the difficulty in making these classifications:

“Independent-contractor determinations are difficult and complicated enough when only considering the Act, but the Act is not the only relevant law. An employer must consider numerous Federal, State, and local laws and regulations that apply a number of different standards for determining independent-contractor status. Unsurprisingly, employers struggle to navigate this legal maze. Further, in classifying its workers as independent contractors, an employer may be correct under certain other laws but wrong under the Act—which is all the more reason why it would be unfair to hold that merely communicating that classification is unlawful.”

Because of the various, complicated and at times conflicting standards, it is always wise to consult with competent counsel before deciding upon a proper classification. Notwithstanding those difficulties, it may be some relief for employers to know that making a classification mistake in and of itself will not carry with it the additional burden of violating the NLRA.


RELATED ARTICLES

Labor Law Recap: 2022 Was The ‘Year of the Strike’

January 10, 2023 | Labor Relations, Strikes and Picketing

Labor Law Changes To Be Aware Of In The New Year

January 3, 2023 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board

Prices Keep Rising: Labor Board Significantly Expands Remedies Available To Employees

December 14, 2022 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board

Triple Threat: NLRB Facing Staffing Shortages, Increased Workload, and Budgetary Constraints

November 30, 2022 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board

Reversing the Call: NLRB Seeks to Rescind 2020 Rule, Protect Union Status

November 8, 2022 | Labor Relations, National Labor Relations Board

Subscribe

Do you want to receive more valuable insights directly in your inbox? Visit our subscription center and let us know what you're interested in learning more about.

View Subscription Center
RELATED TOPICS
NLRB
NLRA
Independent Contractors
Trending Connect
We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to use cookies.