Court Opinion

ID: 9670055
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 03:13:27.699897+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:16:01.985803
License: Public Domain

Gehl, J.
(dissenting). I am not convinced that the relationship of employer and employee is created where one as an expression of gratitude returns an act of kindness with a similar favor. I do not believe that the status of the parties is affected by the fact that they reside in a community in which it is customary for neighbors to exchange acts of grace with no thought of compensation. I do not agree that the fact that the family of the first beneficiary considered and suggested that he should return the favor is a circumstance which points to the creation of a new relationship between the parties. Nor do I agree that Hendrickson’s testimony that Gant merely suggested the area at which the work was to be commenced establishes that Gant had the right to control the details of his work. Such right must exist to establish the claimed relationship, and is a “very important test.” Green Valley Co-op. Dairy Co. v. Industrial Comm. 250 Wis. 502, *7627 N. W. (2d) 454; Ebner v. Industrial Comm. 252 Wis. 199, 31 N. W. (2d) 172.
“ ‘The relation of employer and employee does not arise as a result of benefits conferred. There must be either expressly or by implication a contract of hire.’ ” Koski v. Industrial Comm. 252 Wis. 1, 3, .288 N. W. 240.
I fear that by the declaration of the majority we have established a precedent which may cause friendly neighbors to hesitate to continue to act in a manner in which they customarily do.
It does not seem to me that we should extend the rule of Northern Trust Co. v. Industrial Comm. 231 Wis. 133, 285 N. W. 339, where there had been an exchange of work over a period of many years and where the exchange seems clearly to have been prompted by more than a desire to trade one act of kindness for another.
Because of my fear of the result I am compelled to dissent.
I am authorized to state that Mr. Justice Fairchild concurs in this dissent.