A class of current and former FedEx Ground drivers misclassified as "independent contractors" will receive an additional $9 million in reimbursements for employment-related expenses, an appointed referee ruled October 20. This award will be combined with a previous award of $5.3 million the drivers received in 2006. The award will reimburse the drivers for such expenses as truck
New Federal Legislation Would Penalize Employers’ Use of “Independent Contractors”
The U.S. Congress is currently considering legislation that would impose significant penalties on employers who improperly classify employees as "independent contractors" to avoid paying for benefits.
The Employee Misclassification Prevention Act (S. 3648) was introduced in the Senate on September 29, and is sponsored by Senators Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and John Kerry (D-Mass.).
California Assembly Passes Four Employment-Related Laws
California employers take note: The California State Assembly recently passed four significant employment-related bills that you should pay close attention to:
- Medical Marijuana: A.B. 2279 would prohibit discrimination against an employee based on marijuana use, as long as the use was for medical reasons and did not occur at the workplace or during the hours of
Idaho Supreme Court Clarifies Covered Employment for Unemployment Insurance Tax Purposes
In Excell Construction Inc. v. Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor, the state’s high court provided a detailed analysis of each the factors to be considered in determining whether a worker is covered for tax purposes. The court adopted a list of fifteen factors an employer should consider in making that determination (and that