Opinion ID: 1034620
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Permanency and Duration

Text: The fifth factor considers the degree of permanency and duration of the working relationship. This factor points strongly toward employee status. Named plaintiffs worked for Knight for an average of more than five years. Their contracts were for year terms, were automatically renewed, and were 19 Case: 12-12614 Date Filed: 07/16/2013 Page: 20 of 23 terminable only with thirty days’ notice. These facts suggest substantial permanence of relationship. Knight argues that this factor must also be viewed in terms of exclusivity, arguing that a technician’s ability to work for other installation contractors is significant. Exclusivity is relevant. However, the facts viewed in the light most favorable to plaintiffs favor plaintiffs in this regard. Plaintiffs’ evidence indicates that they could not work for other companies, were required to work long hours, and could not turn down work orders. Thus, their relationship with Knight was not only of long duration, but it was also exclusive. Assuming factual inferences in favor of plaintiffs, and looking through the lens of economic dependence vel non, long tenure, along with control, and lack of opportunity for profit, point strongly toward economic dependence. Thus, this factor strongly indicates employee status.