Howdy,

I was hired as an "outside contractor" to work occasional shifts at a Boston hospital. Once every two weeks I work 6-8 hours keeping a sleep study participant occupied (awake). However, the subjects often walk out of the studies and so my shifts are cancelled the same day I am scheduled to work. Am I entitled to compensation in this situation? If so, how much notice must my employer give in order to not give compensation?

Thanks!
Matty

If you are properly classified as an independent contractor, any possible recourse you would have regarding your pay would be resolved by your contract. If you were an employee, things would be different.

I see. I have been referred to as a "contractor" by a 3rd party at the hospital, however I never saw a contract (or even met my boss). Due to the unique situation It seems I'll have to ask my boss and take his word - or request a written contract.

Thanks,
Matty

Are taxes being withheld from your checks, did you complete an I-9 and a W-4 form? If not, they are treating you as an independent contractor.

Yes, I completed those forms and taxes are being withheld.

OK, then they are treating you as an employee. And assuming you are nonexempt (generally speaking, paid on an hourly basis), you must be paid a minimum of 3 hours when you report for work at the scheduled day/time but are not provided with your full scheduled hours. However, if you given advance notice to not come in at all, then you don't have to be paid at all; it's only when you are scheduled, you show up, but you don't get your full hours.

I understand - I've always been given some notice.

Thanks for the info,
Matty