Gilldiver
Contributor
I'm really surprised the IRS doesn't see this as a simple method of tax-evasion. I work in the field of Professional HR services, and I would NEVER allow a client of mine to advertise or "hold-out" a job in which an exchange of goods or services occurs in lieu of a legal wage.
Someone is acting "in the performance of duty" [work] off the clock or without wages in exchange for "gifts, discounts, free training" [income] at a place of business [employer's direction]. Employers have obligations, especially where the "performance of duty is specified and expected".
Though a salient argument could be made about whether W2 vs 1099 would be most appropriate for a DM, I find it difficult to understand the slavery model.
We don't even want to think about an injury or death which happens during the performance of duty because the employee can actually make a claim against workers compensation. Failure to pay someone performing a duty does not protect an employer from such claims.
This causes me to have so many concerns, I can't even put well assembled post!
Most of these jobs are not in the US and are not under US Laws. Tis a whole other world out there. I can also tell you about expected "gifts" for various people that are expected in the Mid East and India.