I recently joined a firm that sells insurance and investment products. The employee handbook clearly states that "You are an independent contractor in business for yourself."
A $100 "administrative" fee was paid by me when hired, and I have been attending training sessions for a month.
The employees who have been around longer than me, have name tags of various colors which I assumed to be in recognition for different levels of achievement. Last week, I was approached and told that I needed to get a name tag, but in order to get one that I had to buy one of the products sold by the company. The justification was that an employee needed to demonstrate his faith in the products in order to sell them to potential clients.
I am 62 years old. At this point in life, I am beyond purchasing life insurance or investments.This requirement was not disclosed prior to hiring. Last night another employee who started shortly before me was criticized for not having a name tag.Can such a purchase be required?
The company has an annual convention. I get the impression that what takes place is some general training, motivational talks, and recognition of top performers.Some new employees (myself included) do not see the value in attending at this point in our employment. We are not yet licensed, have not had the opportunity to generate income, and in some cases employees had been unemployed for long period prior to this job.Last week, each employee was called on by name in a public setting and asked to state the date by which they would register for the convention. The names and dates were written down, and we were told that " the reservation system will be checked to insure we follow through. Although some employees lacked the desire and or resources to attend, the awkward setting made everyone come up with a date. Last night the process was repeated. This time, one person had the courage to state that he preferred not to go. The manager's response was: "It's not an option, you must be there".Later that person was taken aside. This convention is at employee expense. The registration fee is $175, lodging is for four nights at $159 per night (we were told we had to stay at the hotel where the meetings take place), and then there are travel costs, food,etc.None of this was discussed pre-hire.
Is not such an action in violation of state law in regard to exercising control over an independent contractor?
A $100 "administrative" fee was paid by me when hired, and I have been attending training sessions for a month.
The employees who have been around longer than me, have name tags of various colors which I assumed to be in recognition for different levels of achievement. Last week, I was approached and told that I needed to get a name tag, but in order to get one that I had to buy one of the products sold by the company. The justification was that an employee needed to demonstrate his faith in the products in order to sell them to potential clients.
I am 62 years old. At this point in life, I am beyond purchasing life insurance or investments.This requirement was not disclosed prior to hiring. Last night another employee who started shortly before me was criticized for not having a name tag.Can such a purchase be required?
The company has an annual convention. I get the impression that what takes place is some general training, motivational talks, and recognition of top performers.Some new employees (myself included) do not see the value in attending at this point in our employment. We are not yet licensed, have not had the opportunity to generate income, and in some cases employees had been unemployed for long period prior to this job.Last week, each employee was called on by name in a public setting and asked to state the date by which they would register for the convention. The names and dates were written down, and we were told that " the reservation system will be checked to insure we follow through. Although some employees lacked the desire and or resources to attend, the awkward setting made everyone come up with a date. Last night the process was repeated. This time, one person had the courage to state that he preferred not to go. The manager's response was: "It's not an option, you must be there".Later that person was taken aside. This convention is at employee expense. The registration fee is $175, lodging is for four nights at $159 per night (we were told we had to stay at the hotel where the meetings take place), and then there are travel costs, food,etc.None of this was discussed pre-hire.
Is not such an action in violation of state law in regard to exercising control over an independent contractor?
