economic reality test (Maryland) · Go Syfert
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economic reality test in Maryland

7 Maryland opinions name it 2 courts 2008–2026 1 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Maryland courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (8)

CaseFollowedCited
Campusano v. Lusitano Construction LLCgreen
mdctspecapp · 2012 · cited in 3 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2013–2020
2 sentences

2020To determine whether an individual qualifies as an employer under the FLSA, the MWHL, and the MWPCL, both Maryland and Federal courts apply the economic reality test.14 Campusano, 208 Md.

2018In Campusano , we extended the economic reality test applied to employer determinations under the MWHL to the employer determinations under the MWPCL because of the similarities between the Acts' definitions. 208 Md.

13
Boucher v. Shawgreen
nev · 2008 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2020–2020
1 sentence

2020The economic reality test is sometimes specific or exclusive cause of improperly failing to do so.”) with Boucher v. Shaw, 196 P.3d 959, 963 (Nev. 2008) (“Because the Legislature has not unequivocally indicated its intent to equate managers with ‘employers’ . . . we conclude that individual management- level corporate employees . . . cannot be held liable as employers for the unpaid wages of employees under Nevada’s wage and hour laws.”). 14 In Rutherford Food Corp. v. McComb, 331 U.S. 722, 724 (1947), the Supreme Court first articulated the test when it considered an action to enjoin two meat

11
Rutherford Food Corp. v. McCombgreen
scotus · 1947 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2020–2020
1 sentence

2020The economic reality test is sometimes specific or exclusive cause of improperly failing to do so.”) with Boucher v. Shaw, 196 P.3d 959, 963 (Nev. 2008) (“Because the Legislature has not unequivocally indicated its intent to equate managers with ‘employers’ . . . we conclude that individual management- level corporate employees . . . cannot be held liable as employers for the unpaid wages of employees under Nevada’s wage and hour laws.”). 14 In Rutherford Food Corp. v. McComb, 331 U.S. 722, 724 (1947), the Supreme Court first articulated the test when it considered an action to enjoin two meat

11
cluster 560409green
ca9 · 1991 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2012–2012
2 sentences

2012See also Harker v. State Use Indus., 990 F.2d 131 , 133 (4th Cir.Md.1993) (holding that “a true employer-employee relationship” involves a “ ‘bargained-for exchange of labor’ for mutual economic gain” (citing Vanskike v. Peters, 974 F.2d 806, 809 (7th Cir.1992); Gilbreath v. Cutter Biological, Inc., 931 F.2d 1320, 1325 (9th Cir.1991))). 7 The economic reality test for “control” examines “whether the alleged employer (1) had the power to hire and fire the employees, (2) supervised and controlled employee work schedules or conditions of employment, (3) determined the rate and method of payment,

2012See also Harker v. State Use Indus., 990 F.2d 131 , 133 (4th Cir.Md.1993) (holding that “a true employer-employee relationship” involves a “ ‘bargained-for exchange of labor’ for mutual economic gain” (citing Vanskike v. Peters, 974 F.2d 806, 809 (7th Cir.1992); Gilbreath v. Cutter Biological, Inc., 931 F.2d 1320, 1325 (9th Cir.1991))). 7 The economic reality test for “control” examines “whether the alleged employer (1) had the power to hire and fire the employees, (2) supervised and controlled employee work schedules or conditions of employment, (3) determined the rate and method of payment,

11
Daniel Lee Vanskike v. Howard A. Peters, IIIgreen
ca7 · 1992 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2012–2012
2 sentences

2012See also Harker v. State Use Indus., 990 F.2d 131 , 133 (4th Cir.Md.1993) (holding that “a true employer-employee relationship” involves a “ ‘bargained-for exchange of labor’ for mutual economic gain” (citing Vanskike v. Peters, 974 F.2d 806, 809 (7th Cir.1992); Gilbreath v. Cutter Biological, Inc., 931 F.2d 1320, 1325 (9th Cir.1991))). 7 The economic reality test for “control” examines “whether the alleged employer (1) had the power to hire and fire the employees, (2) supervised and controlled employee work schedules or conditions of employment, (3) determined the rate and method of payment,

2012See also Harker v. State Use Indus., 990 F.2d 131 , 133 (4th Cir.Md.1993) (holding that “a true employer-employee relationship” involves a “ ‘bargained-for exchange of labor’ for mutual economic gain” (citing Vanskike v. Peters, 974 F.2d 806, 809 (7th Cir.1992); Gilbreath v. Cutter Biological, Inc., 931 F.2d 1320, 1325 (9th Cir.1991))). 7 The economic reality test for “control” examines “whether the alleged employer (1) had the power to hire and fire the employees, (2) supervised and controlled employee work schedules or conditions of employment, (3) determined the rate and method of payment,

11
Harker v. State Use Industriesgreen
ca4 · 1993 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2012–2012
2 sentences

2012See also Harker v. State Use Indus., 990 F.2d 131 , 133 (4th Cir.Md.1993) (holding that “a true employer-employee relationship” involves a “ ‘bargained-for exchange of labor’ for mutual economic gain” (citing Vanskike v. Peters, 974 F.2d 806, 809 (7th Cir.1992); Gilbreath v. Cutter Biological, Inc., 931 F.2d 1320, 1325 (9th Cir.1991))). 7 The economic reality test for “control” examines “whether the alleged employer (1) had the power to hire and fire the employees, (2) supervised and controlled employee work schedules or conditions of employment, (3) determined the rate and method of payment,

2012See also Harker v. State Use Indus., 990 F.2d 131 , 133 (4th Cir.Md.1993) (holding that “a true employer-employee relationship” involves a “ ‘bargained-for exchange of labor’ for mutual economic gain” (citing Vanskike v. Peters, 974 F.2d 806, 809 (7th Cir.1992); Gilbreath v. Cutter Biological, Inc., 931 F.2d 1320, 1325 (9th Cir.1991))). 7 The economic reality test for “control” examines “whether the alleged employer (1) had the power to hire and fire the employees, (2) supervised and controlled employee work schedules or conditions of employment, (3) determined the rate and method of payment,

11
Hodgson v. Arnheim And Neely, Inc.green
ca3 · 1971 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2012–2012
1 sentence

2012See, e.g., Hodgson [v. Arnheim & Neely, Inc., 444 F.2d 609, 612 (3d Cir.Pa.1971) ]; Baystate Alt.

11
Itzep v. Target Corp.green
txwd · 2008 · cited in 1 Maryland opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009
1 sentence

2009See Itzep, 543 F.Supp.2d at 653 n. 54 (commenting on the apparent “difference among the circuit courts regarding factors a court should consider in determining joint employment under the FLSA”).

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Maryland. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (8)

CaseCitedYears
Newell v. Runnels green
md · 2009
2 sentences

2020“Economic reality test” appears to be the most commonly used title, as well as the one adopted by the Maryland Court of Appeals when it first applied the “economic reality test” in Newell v. Runnels, 407 Md. 578 (2009). 15 The economic reality test for “control” examines “four factors to determine an individual’s level of ‘control’ over an employee.” Pinnacle Group, LLC, 235 Md.

2013The economic reality test for an alleged employer’s “control” over an employee examines “whether the alleged employer (1) had the power to hire and fire the employees, (2) supervised and controlled employee work schedules or conditions of employment, (3) determined the rate and method of payment, and (4) maintained employment records.” Id. at 39-40 , 56 A.3d 303 (quoting Newell v. Runnels, 407 Md. 578, 651 , 967 A.2d 729 (2009)).

32012–2020
Pinnacle Grp., LLC v. Kelly green
mdctspecapp · 2018
2 sentences

2026The economic reality test examines “four factors to determine an individual’s level of ‘control’ over an employee.” Pinnacle Grp., LLC v. Kelly, 235 Md.

2020“Economic reality test” appears to be the most commonly used title, as well as the one adopted by the Maryland Court of Appeals when it first applied the “economic reality test” in Newell v. Runnels, 407 Md. 578 (2009). 15 The economic reality test for “control” examines “four factors to determine an individual’s level of ‘control’ over an employee.” Pinnacle Group, LLC, 235 Md.

22020–2026
cluster 398807 green
ca3 · 1982
1 sentence

2020Id. at 750 .

12020–2020
Stevenson v. Branch Banking & Trust Corp. green
mdctspecapp · 2004
2 sentences

2012Payment and Collection Law § 501(b) defines an employer to include “any person who employs an individual in the State or a successor of the person.” The word “employ” is defined broadly by LE § 3-101(c) as “to engage an individual to work,” and the term includes “(i) allowing an individual to work; and (ii) instructing an individual to be present at a work site.” Because of this expansive definition and the Payment and Collection Law’s remedial purposes, see Friolo v. Frankel, 373 Md. 501, 517-18 , 819 A.2d 354 (2003); Stevenson v. Branch Banking & Trust Corp., 159 Md.App. 620, 644 , 861 A.2d

2012Payment and Collection Law § 501(b) defines an employer to include “any person who employs an individual in the State or a successor of the person.” The word “employ” is defined broadly by LE § 3-101(c) as “to engage an individual to work,” and the term includes “(i) allowing an individual to work; and (ii) instructing an individual to be present at a work site.” Because of this expansive definition and the Payment and Collection Law’s remedial purposes, see Friolo v. Frankel, 373 Md. 501, 517-18 , 819 A.2d 354 (2003); Stevenson v. Branch Banking & Trust Corp., 159 Md.App. 620, 644 , 861 A.2d

12012–2012
Friolo v. Frankel green
md · 2003
2 sentences

2012Payment and Collection Law § 501(b) defines an employer to include “any person who employs an individual in the State or a successor of the person.” The word “employ” is defined broadly by LE § 3-101(c) as “to engage an individual to work,” and the term includes “(i) allowing an individual to work; and (ii) instructing an individual to be present at a work site.” Because of this expansive definition and the Payment and Collection Law’s remedial purposes, see Friolo v. Frankel, 373 Md. 501, 517-18 , 819 A.2d 354 (2003); Stevenson v. Branch Banking & Trust Corp., 159 Md.App. 620, 644 , 861 A.2d

2012Payment and Collection Law § 501(b) defines an employer to include “any person who employs an individual in the State or a successor of the person.” The word “employ” is defined broadly by LE § 3-101(c) as “to engage an individual to work,” and the term includes “(i) allowing an individual to work; and (ii) instructing an individual to be present at a work site.” Because of this expansive definition and the Payment and Collection Law’s remedial purposes, see Friolo v. Frankel, 373 Md. 501, 517-18 , 819 A.2d 354 (2003); Stevenson v. Branch Banking & Trust Corp., 159 Md.App. 620, 644 , 861 A.2d

12012–2012
Louis Carter v. Dutchess Community College green
ca2 · 1984
1 sentence

2009The Second Circuit applied this test first in Carter v. Dutchess Cmty. Coll., 735 F.2d 8 (1984), where an inmate working as a tutor at the prison where he was incarcerated sought back pay under the FLSA from the community college administering inmate education.

12009–2009
Barfield v. New York City Health & Hospitals Corp. green
ca2 · 2008
1 sentence

2009Under this version of the economic reality test, the pertinent considerations are “whether the alleged employer (1) had the power to hire and fire the employees, (2) supervised and controlled employee work schedules or conditions of employment, (3) determined the rate and method of payment, and (4) maintained employment records.” Id. at 142 .

12009–2009
Brickey v. County of Smyth, Va. green
vawd · 1996
1 sentence

2008No one factor is dispositive; the factors are only a “means to determine if the alleged employer has enough control over the employee, his working conditions, his workplace, and his pay to compel compliance with the Act.” Brickey, 944 F.Supp. at 1315 .

12008–2008

Statutes the citing opinions construe

USC § 29u.s.c.203 (4) CFR § 29c.f.r.791.2 (3) USC § 29u.s.c.201 (3) USC § 29u.s.c.207 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

MI 104 (1971–2026) WA 8 (2013–2021) MD 7 (2008–2026) NY 5 (1996–2026) CA 3 (2016–2023) GA 3 (1992–1999) IL 3 (2005–2020) KS 2 (2013–2014)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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