Court: Directional drilling engineers can be independent contractors

Oil & Gas Journal: A federal appeals court in New Orleans overturned a lower court’s decision and found that directional drilling engineers can be classified as independent contractors. The Feb. 28 ruling by the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals established that directional drillers employed by Houston-based Premier Directional Drilling LLC could be independent contractors not covered by federal overtime requirements and other employee benefits.

“This case is particularly important to the oil industry, where the use of highly compensated independent contractors is essential and commonplace,” Premier Pres. Michael Kennedy said.

Read article