Billie is 11 years old and delivers papers for The Flatrock News. She has a “Carrier Handbook” that she was given when she started delivering for the “News.” It specifies the carriers duties and obligations such as the time the paper is to be delivered, location where papers are to be placed, use of plastic bags when wet weather exists, obligation to find replacement when on vacation or ill, requires a contact number so the News can alert her regarding complaints and how she can rectify common complaints from customers, etc. It also contains advice on how to deal with difficult customers and how to promote obtaining new subscribers in her route area. The handbook also specifies that the News will deliver the papers to the carrier and will supply the carrier with rubber bands and plastic bags. It specifies the carrier’s compensation (per paper delivered) as well as a statement that indicates she is an “independent contractor” and that the carrier is responsible for their own transportation in making deliveries whether that be on foot, by bicycle or vehicle and that the carrier is expected to respond immediately when contacted by the circulation supervisor. It states that she can be terminated as a carrier for any reason by the News. 

If Billie is injured while delivering papers, do you think she will be classified as an employee of the News, or an independent contractor? Explain your decision, giving reasons for your conclusion. Include in your discussion why this classification of employee or independent contractor would be important?

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

The classification between an employee and an independent contractor generally depends on several factors which might vary slightly depending on speci... View the full answer