Minnesota law specifically excludes individuals who are independent contractors as defined by Department of Labor and Industry regulations (MN Stat. Sec. 176.041). The regulations set out “safe-harbor” criteria for numerous specific occupations and tests for occupations not specified (MN Rules Ch. 5224). The most important factor in determining whether a person is an independent contractor in a nonspecified occupation is the degree of control that the purported employer exerts over the manner and method of performing the work contracted (MN Rules Sec. 5224.0330). The more control there is, the more likely the person is an employee and not an independent contractor. The rule lists 13 factors to weigh in making this determination. In addition to factors of control, factors listed in the rule (MN Rule Sec. 5224.0340) include whether:
• The employer has the right to discharge.
• The worker's services are available to the public.
• The worker is compensated on a job basis.