Stone v. McGowan

**Stone v. McGowan: Work Program Participants Not Entitled to Minimum Wage** This case involved a dispute over whether people in a work experience program run by the New York State Department of Labor should be paid minimum wage. The participant argued that since they were doing work, they should receive at least minimum wage under federal labor law. The court disagreed and dismissed the case. The judge ruled that work experience program participants are not considered employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The court found that these programs are different from regular employment because participants' hours are limited based on the welfare benefits they receive, not because of actual job requirements. This ruling matters for workers because it clarifies that not all work activities qualify for minimum wage protection. People in government work experience programs, job training programs, or similar welfare-to-work initiatives may not have the same wage rights as regular employees. If you're in a work program and unsure about your status, it's important to understand whether you're considered a trainee, volunteer, or actual employee, as this affects your rights to minimum wage and other workplace protections.