JOHNSTON v. TITAN LOGISTICS & RESOURCES, LLC

**Court Rules Worker Was Independent Contractor, Not Employee** Johnston sued Titan Logistics & Resources and Big Truck Rehab Center, claiming they owed him overtime pay and violated wage laws. Johnston argued he was an employee who should have received overtime compensation under federal and Ohio state wage laws. The court disagreed with Johnston and ruled in favor of the companies. The judge determined that Johnston was an independent contractor, not an employee. This distinction is crucial because independent contractors are not entitled to overtime pay, minimum wage protections, or other employee benefits under wage laws. **What This Means for Workers:** This case highlights how important the employee versus independent contractor classification is for your rights. As an employee, you're protected by wage laws that guarantee overtime pay, minimum wage, and other benefits. As an independent contractor, you don't receive these protections. If you're unsure about your classification, pay attention to factors like how much control your employer has over your work, whether you use company equipment, and how you're paid. Companies sometimes misclassify workers as contractors to avoid paying benefits, so it's worth understanding your true status to protect your rights.