R.I. business groups criticize independent contractor legislation
By Paul Grimaldi, The Providence Journal, R.I. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Fourteen groups have joined with 11 of the state's Chambers of Commerce to oppose companion proposals in the
Representatives of the various groups gathered Monday at the
"We don't want the [business] climate to get worse," Simmons said.
It's at least the fourth year that
Members of the business coalition say the latest attempt would confuse both workers and employers, add an unnecessary regulatory layer on top of federal rules that govern how such workers are compensated, and may produce "unintended consequences."
Rep.
Those bills would give a workers' compensation judge authority to fine employers between
Should an employer be found to have shortchanged a worker, the judge could fine the employer three times the wages due the employee. Violations that exceed
Additional fines would apply in other instances.
"I'm sure the workers' compensation court has enough to do already," said
The
"Adding a duplicative and inconsistent standard will only create ambiguity and uncertainty and potentially expose law abiding employers to sanctions despite their good faith compliance with well-established and well-understood federal guidelines," said
"There is nothing wrong with the current definition," White said.
Those federal rules also give individuals ways to get the compensation they believe is due them.
"There are already avenues in place for workers to challenge their status," she said.
Other people who spoke at Monday's media conference said the current rules provide them the flexibility they need to attend to family matters.
Truck driver
"The owner operator model helped me build what I could build," he said of his business.
Ultimately, it's unclear what lawmakers want to accomplish with the proposals.
"What are we trying to solve?" asked Porcaro, of the
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