Many Georgian workers wonder about their rights under our state’s employment laws. If you live in our state, you might wonder how these laws might impact your ability to earn money in a legal, safe, and ethical way. The good news is that our knowledgeable law firm has all the answers you’ll need! Continue reading this blog to learn more about the difference between an independent contractor and an employee and how the rights of each are different. If you’re in need of individualized legal counseling, reach out to an Atlanta Employment Rights Attorney today to learn more about our excellent services.
WHAT IS AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR?
Independent contractors are self-employed workers, meaning they aren’t represented by a business, corporation, or organization. An example is a freelancer who uses their own tools and resources to provide a service. Some contractors are hired by companies or other groups, but this doesn’t mean that the contractors are legally employed by those companies. Sometimes, an independent contractor is a self-employed worker who owns their own company. They can also work for multiple companies at the same time. An independent contractor doesn’t have the same rights as an employee at a company, but they have more freedom to work whenever they like. Many companies choose to hire independent contractors since they already have expertise in their job and don’t need training.
HOW ARE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS DIFFERENT FROM EMPLOYEES?
Independent contractors are different from employees in many different ways. For starters, an employee is usually a non-executive worker that is employed at a business or company. Most Georgian employees have certain rights regarding their wages, hours, and treatment in the workplace. Meanwhile, independent contractors are not eligible for the same rights under employment laws.
Some protections for Georgian employees include:
- Health insurance
- The right to join a union
- Safety from employment discrimination
- Paid time off
- Overtime payment laws
Depending on your job, you could be offered additional employee benefits. There are pros and cons to working as either an employee or an independent contractor, but many people feel more protected by the various employment laws that exist.
Are you a worker in Georgia who is looking to learn more about which rights are protected by the law? You might want to speak with a trustworthy employment law attorney who can answer your questions. The good news is that Ben Barrett Law is here to fight for you! Contact our knowledgeable law firm today for an initial consultation.