This is Coalition For Independant Contractor Freedom page

^{Dateline: October 30, 2009, CFICF E-Newsletter}

Be sure to read the latest CFICF e-newsletter, “States becoming more aggressive in fight against Independent Contractors” (full copy is below). If you’re not already signed up to receive these communications, then sign up today.

Dear Independent Contractor,

With Washington focused on difficult healthcare legislation and perhaps even more difficult financial regulation, their labor policy agenda seems to have taken a backseat… for now.

However, this doesn’t mean independent contractors can sit back and relax. While the federal anti-contracting agenda waits in the wings, states are:

• Adopting legislation to force the classification of independent contractors as employees
• Trying to take away the rights of independent contractors in order to gain new revenue to help shore up their budget deficits
• Revising definitions of “Employee Misclassification” in legislation of various sorts

Not only is the new anti-contractor legislation popping up in many states — up to 23 states, according to a recent news report — it’s making its way through regulatory and executive agencies as well.

Now, state Attorneys General appear to be getting more aggressive in their fights against the independent contractor model.

Making big news this week, the Attorneys General of New York, New Jersey and Montana plan to sue FedEx Ground. They’re claiming the unit’s classification of workers as independent contractors violates state labor laws.

Don’t let this fool you. It isn’t just about FedEx – it’s about ALL independent contractors. States and the federal government want to redefine independent contracting… and the result could be to redefine many independent contractors out of business.

Don’t let this happen in your state. Join us in creating an effective political voice for independent contractors and the companies that use their services. Many of the 50 state governments want to force independent contractors to become employees, costing the ICs the businesses they’ve worked hard to build. And soon the federal government will be joining in. All this comes, of course, on the backs of our nation’s small businesses – and economy – at the worst possible economic time.

Let us know what you think about the strong possibility of more states adopting laws that would prohibit your lifestyle and freedom by joining in on the discussion at our Forum. Additionally, don’t forget to sign up for news and continuing updates on Twitter.

Sincerely,
David Dunnigan
Executive Director
Coalition for Independent Contractor Freedom

Read original blog post