Pazan v. Unemployment Compensation Commission

Presented is the question of plaintiff’s liability as an employer for the year 1949 under the Michigan unemployment compensation act (OL 1948, § 421.1 et seq. [Stat Ann 1950 Rev § 17.501 et seq.]). The answer turns on whether certain owner-operators of trucks were plaintiff’s employees or independent contractors.

Plaintiff was in the trucking business, hauling goods for hire under Michigan public service commission certificates. He owned trucks which were operated by his employees. In addition, he leased from the owners trucks which were operated by them in furtherance of his business. The…