Matter of Stecher Aviation Services, Inc. (Commr. of Labor)
Stecher Aviation Services, Inc., a company providing aircraft flight crews, was assessed for unemployment insurance contributions for its flight crews by the Department of Labor. Stecher Aviation argued that its flight crews were independent contractors, but an Administrative Law Judge and the Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board found an employer-employee relationship existed. The appellate court affirmed the Board's decision, citing substantial evidence supporting the employer-employee relationship, including Stecher Aviation's control over crew selection, billing, payment rates, and provision of workers' compensation insurance. The court also rejected Stecher Aviation's claim of an unfair hearing due to the tax auditor's absence, as the supervisor, familiar with the investigation, was available to testify.