I am looking for some employment lawyerly advice, anyone around?

[Decruiter]

I'm working for a start up company as an independent contractor. As an independent contractor, what rights do you have? Any at all?

I am witness to and a victim of a number of abuses of employment laws, but, as an independent contractor, do the laws still apply?

Hostile work environment, asking why one does not attend church (T. D. Jakes devotee-Potter's House), sexual harrassment, age, worker's compensation issues (lots of legal on this one, as in owner not paying for when he should!). This is a start up doing business in a "homeland security environment" (umm, okay, I'll tell, a major international airport).

Can anyone help with any advice or direct me anywhere besides a very expensive attorney or the EEOC?

[datasuspect]

1. i think anyone can petition the EEOC

in the event they witness abuses, especially if is federal contractor.

here's an angle, if it is a small start up, they might have used the SBA.

determine their status here:

SBA Answer Desk
1-800-U-ASK-SBA (1-800-827-5722)

if you find out they are using SBA-related proceeds, stir shit here:

http://www.sba.gov/ig/

eeoc:

http://www.eeoc.gov/

gao might help for informational purposes:

http://www.gao.gov/



also, depending on your location, you can utilize the services of the airport administration, local government and your state attorney general.

a little investigation always helps.

if they in any way receive funding from a federal source, you might be able to get something accomplished.