Opinion ID: 1911276
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 13

Heading: Skill Required by Occupation

Text: The less skill required by a job, the greater the indication that the worker is an employee and not an independent contractor. See Employers Ins. of Wausau v. Greater Omaha Trans. Co., 208 Neb. 276, 303 N.W.2d 282 (1981). The trial judge found there was no skill required to be a newspaper carrier and noted that the Tribune's carrier advertisement characterized the job requirements as follows: HEY KIDS!... If you're 10 years or older ... WE NEED YOU!! The trial judge's finding on this factor is supported by sufficient competent evidence. (e) Whether Worker or Employer Supplies Instrumentalities, Tools, and Place of Work for Work to Be Performed The Tribune initially supplied the carriers' routes, assigned customers to the routes on an ongoing basis, and supplied most of the basic tools that the carrier used. Included among the tools were collection books, collection cards, and vacation handbooks for substitute carriers. Rubberbands and other items were also furnished to the carrier at cost. In addition, the Tribune supplied the carriers with inserts and shoppers. The Tribune paid the carrier for such delivery. Between 25 and 53 percent of the customers paid the Tribune directly, and the Tribune did not charge the carriers for this collection. The trial judge found that the Tribune supplied the workplace, the instrumentalities, and the tools to carry out the job of being a carrier. There is sufficient competent evidence to support the trial judge's finding.