From Lawffice Space, Philip Miles discusses the Third Circuit’s discussion of the economic realities test and provides the outstanding quote from Judge Easterbrook’s quote on economic reality and economic fantasy. Philip writes:
Here in the Third Circuit, when analyzing whether workers are covered by the FLSA’s minimum wage and overtime requirements, courts apply the “economic realities” test. Sidenote: check out Judge Easterbrook’s concurring opinion in DOL v. Lauritzen (7th Cir.), mocking the whole classification analysis including this money quip: “It is comforting to know that ‘economic reality’ is the touchstone. One cringes to think that courts might decide these cases on the basis of economic fantasy.”
The Third Circuit applies a specific “flavor” of the economic realities test:
Although neither the presence nor the absence of any particular factor is dispositive, we have held that there are six factors to determine whether a worker is an “employee”:
1) the degree of the alleged employer’s right to control the manner in which the work is to be performed; 2) the alleged employee’s opportunity for profit or loss depending upon his managerial skill; 3) the alleged employee’s investment in equipment or materials required for his task, or his employment of helpers; 4) whether the service rendered requires a special skill; 5) the degree of permanence of the working relationship; 6) whether the service rendered is an integral part of the alleged employer’s business.
Not only should courts examine the “circumstances of the whole activity,” they should “consider whether, as a matter of economic reality, the individuals ‘are dependent upon the business to which they render service.’ ”
Read the full story at Lawffice Space – Employment Law Blog by Philip Miles: Employee or Independent Contractor? 3d Cir. FLSA Edition
This is the first that I am hearing of this issue, but I am glad to now be aware of it. Thanks for sharing!