It's very easy to have employees. It's not so easy to have IC's.
The smart employer, when unsure of which it should be, will always assume employee.
Quoting adjusterjack
I've been leaning toward employee also and the company details confirm it. Your employer controls what you do and how you do it. That's a big part of it. That you have been working for them for 7 years and they employ many masseurs just like you is also part of the criteria. You're paid by the hour and had no choice but to accept a 20% reduction in pay. That also says employee. So does the non-compete.
This appears to be another cheater that uses the independent contractor dodge to avoid payroll taxes and workers comp insurance.
Quoting PayrolGuy
I think since you are providing the primary service that the employer sells you should be a W2 employee. FIle for unemployment and I'd be willing to bet the state decides that way as well.
Thank you all for your help. The unanimity is encouraging and I thank everyone for taking time to ask questions and arrive at the conclusion.