My question involves independent contractors in the state of: Arizona
I plan to leave the company for which I work soon. This would be a voluntary separation and no hard feelings. I'd like to contribute as a freelancer to them, but their parent organization has changed their rules wherein no one who formerly worked for the company is allowed to be an independent contractor for them. This goes so far to include people who once were (paid) interns! They believe this is so they will not run afoul of labor law, from my understanding. I can understand why they would say if you were previously laid off, we can't use you. I'm sure the Labor Department would frown on that as the company could force a salaried worker out and try to get them at a cheaper contracted rate. In my case, my separation would be my decision, and I'd just like to keep my hand in it a little and pick some extra money from time. It's something I would enjoy and be mutually beneficial, but it appears I won't be allowed to do that. (Don't even get me started on not letting former interns do it. That seems utterly crazy to me.) Is labor law so restrictive that my company has reason to keep me from doing some work for them? (Incidentally, they're pretty much the only game in town for this work.)

