In belated recognition of Labor Day, when I was not working, I recorded a short video discussion of the distinction between employees versus independent contractors, and several reasons why this matters. If you want to sound smart to your friends, these relationships form the basis of what’s called “Agency Law.”
This is part of a much larger discussion which involves not only the rights and responsibilities of bosses and workers and third parties, but also the contracts that govern and can significantly change those relationships. In other words, this is big stuff.
If you face these issues often, or if they are important to you, I suggest you find yourself a good lawyer. I happen to know one if you need a name. Steve Adelman