When "Off The Record" Really Isn't Off The Record

Can we talk off the record here? Sure, until my attorney deposes all those you spoke off the record to.....

She was fired for "outing the gay drivers" who work here.

That is the most preposterous thing I've ever heard in my life.

It's also libelous and a defamation of my character.

It just keeps getting better and better..........

If You Ignore Lawyers, Does It Make The Case Go Away?

No, of course it doesn't. Your attorney can ignore every request he or she wishes, however; it's very hard to ignore a Judge.

When the time comes and you have to explain to a Judge why you chose to ignore all requests, it should be very interesting to hear you lie it all away. It will also be interesting to hear why you have suddenly decided to withhold taxes from your "Independent Contractors".

This new method of satisfying the IRS won't change the past or make your debts go away.

What To Do, What To Do.............

1. The IRS has ruled that Independent Contractors of CTG are actually employees.

2. You won't "roll over" and accept that IRS ruling based on the fact that you "modeled" CTG after another company who found favor with the IRS YEARS ago. I've read that ruling. I'm very sure that there are far less than 30% of this industry paying by 1099 in 2009.

3. You signed under penalty of perjury that you paid me 50% of the base of every job I did, plus 100% of the gratuity, yet the pay records show that you paid me $17.00 per job, plus gratuity (it was a couple dollars higher if it was a farm-in) - but those companies that farmed-in charged MUCH higher, and 50% of THAT base is substantially higher than what you paid me.

4. If I received 50% of the base of every as-directed, plus gratuity, you owe me a heck of a bit o'change. I was paid $10.00 per hour for as-directeds, plus gratuity.

Look at it this way:

Client J is billed for 6 hours at a cost of $300.00 for the base.

I am paid $60.00 instead of $150.00, leaving a balance according to your agreement with me of $90.00.

How many of those as-directeds are we talking about?

5. The issue becomes do you fight the IRS ruling or pay the taxes to the tune of God knows what? If you're going to stick to your guns that we were Independent Contractors, get out your calculator and figure out the base of every job I did and pay me what you owe me.

And have a great day!

The Issue Is NOT Independent Contractors Within The Livery Industry

Independent Contractors are everywhere in the livery industry and always will be. The issue is not "doing away" with Independent Contractors. The issue is the agreement under which the Independent Contractor performs his or her job. If you have an agreement where you state you paid an Independent Contractor 50% or 60% or 45% of the base, did you? If your I/C was actually paid $17.00 per job, that's not 50% of the base of ANY airport. If your I/C was paid $10.00 per hour for as directed's, that's not 50% of the base, unless you only charge $20.00 per hour, and we know that isn't reality.

Proper pay and fair treatment is all I seek.

"Jane Doe" Has Her First Amendment Right To Free Speech

I can have a blog. If you're going to go on the record and lie about me, I have the 1st Amendment right to dispute those lies.

How Many Livery Companies In Massachusetts Still Use The "Model" Of Independent Contractor?

Less than 1/3rd, you can best believe that. Will you be able to "best the IRS", as many livery companies have in the past? Will the ruling from 15-20 years ago carry any weight in 2009? Maybe not.

There ARE Good Livery Companies In Massachusetts

I know this for a fact because I work for one. I am now treated fairly and paid hourly. I have benefits, and I am not afraid to file my taxes. Good companies are out here, Chauffeurs!