Truck Driver Was Employee

The Third Department determined claimant truck driver was an employee of RB Humphreys and was therefore entitled to unemployment insurance benefits:

Here, claimant entered a lease purchase agreement for use of a truck owned by RB Humphreys. RB Humphreys retained exclusive use of the vehicle while under lease and did not relinquish the title until the full purchase price was paid. RB Humphreys set the pay rate for claimant, who, absent negligence on his part, was paid regardless of whether the customer ultimately paid RB Humphreys. Although claimant could refuse assignments, testimony established that his lease purchase agreement would be terminated if an assignment was not accepted within a certain period of time. Furthermore, pursuant to the service contract with RB Humphreys, claimant was subject to a one-year noncompete clause following the cessation of their relationship. Matter of Wilder (RB Humphreys Inc.–Commissioner of Labor), 2015 NY Slip Op 08487, 3rd Dept 11-19-15