Unpaid Training Requirement for an Independent Contractor

[Annelynn]

My question involves independent contractors in the state of: California

I am an independent contractor, working from home. I have been given an assignment for which the company is requiring me to come to the office and work for several hours, during which time I will be trained on the way they want the project completed. In the process, I will also be required to perform tasks to assist the company in the completion of the project. The company does not intend to pay me for this time. When the project is complete, I will be required to come back into the office, again for several hours, to have my work checked and to get further instructions, again, unpaid. Does that sound right?

[Security Consultant]

Is there wording in your existing contract that requires you to do this? If not, then I think they would need to write an addendum to the contract and you would need to sign off on the change. They can pay, or not, pay you - it all depends on what you agree to, in writing.

If they are requiring work outside the scope of the original contract, then they need to pay you. In the consulting business that is what's called, "scope creep."

[Annelynn]

Thanks for your reply. In my existing contract, it says I will be required to do various tasks associated with project completion. There's nothing about coming into the office to be trained, and that I would need to do this for free.

During this "training" time I will be performing tasks to complete this project that require my existing expertise, therefore the employer seems to be getting the benefit of my work for free. The company is requiring me to work alongside another employee to complete these tasks, like I'm an unpaid helper.

I am still processing this, but what comes to mind is that if they wanted to train me in operations, and give me a sample project to do, that would be one thing. But they are actually getting paid by a client for the work I will be helping them to complete during this training time.

[Security Consultant]

Thanks for your reply. In my existing contract, it says I will be required to do various tasks associated with project completion. There's nothing about coming into the office to be trained, and that I would need to do this for free.

During this "training" time I will be performing tasks to complete this project that require my existing expertise, therefore the employer seems to be getting the benefit of my work for free. The company is requiring me to work alongside another employee to complete these tasks, like I'm an unpaid helper.

I am still processing this, but what comes to mind is that if they wanted to train me in operations, and give me a sample project to do, that would be one thing. But they are actually getting paid by a client for the work I will be helping them to complete during this training time.

That's a "catch all" phrase. I think you will need to comply with their wishes. Next time you'll know better and question contract wording.