NLRB Signals More Trouble Ahead For Employers That Misclassify Employees

For a variety of reasons, employers may prefer to treat those who provide services to them as independent contractors rather than employees. However, when employers exercise a sufficient level of control over the ostensible independent contractors (as outlined in various “factor” tests), they may be considered employees under the law. If that happens, employers can face significant legal consequences. For example, the newly reclassified employees could sue for unpaid minimum and overtime wages, and the employer could face fines, penalties, and other liability under state workers’ compensation statutes. The IRS and state and local taxing authorities might seek income and employment tax withholdings that were not, but should have been, made.