http://www.pacourts.us/OpPosting/Cwealth/out/1685CD10_3-8-11.pdf - unreported case - March 2011
UCSC determination that claimant was employee and not indpt. contractor upheld on appeal, where neither party appeared at hearing and referee made decision based on documents.
There is a presumption that one who performs services for wages is an employee and not an independent contractor.
This presumption can be overcome if an employer sustains its burden in proving that a claimant was (a) free from control and direction in the performance of the work, where the ability to control and not actual control is determinative; and (b) as to such services, [claimant] was customarily engaged in an independent trade or business. Schneider v. Unemployment Comp. Bd. of Review, ____ A.3d ____ (Pa. Cmwlth. No.
2238 C.D. 2009, filed June 18, 2010), slip op. at 2 (citation and quotation marks omitted) (emphasis added).
In addition, “[i]f a party notified of the date, hour and place of a hearing fails to attend a hearing without proper cause, the hearing may be held in his absence. In the absence of all parties, the decision may be based upon the pertinent available records.” 34 Pa. Code § 101.51.
UCSC determination that claimant was employee and not indpt. contractor upheld on appeal, where neither party appeared at hearing and referee made decision based on documents.
There is a presumption that one who performs services for wages is an employee and not an independent contractor.
This presumption can be overcome if an employer sustains its burden in proving that a claimant was (a) free from control and direction in the performance of the work, where the ability to control and not actual control is determinative; and (b) as to such services, [claimant] was customarily engaged in an independent trade or business. Schneider v. Unemployment Comp. Bd. of Review, ____ A.3d ____ (Pa. Cmwlth. No.
2238 C.D. 2009, filed June 18, 2010), slip op. at 2 (citation and quotation marks omitted) (emphasis added).
In addition, “[i]f a party notified of the date, hour and place of a hearing fails to attend a hearing without proper cause, the hearing may be held in his absence. In the absence of all parties, the decision may be based upon the pertinent available records.” 34 Pa. Code § 101.51.
