Mortensen v. ICCU [7/12/01] 2001 MTWCC 38 Under 1999 legislation the Workers' Compensation Court has jurisdiction over employment status disputes arising under unemployment insurance laws. While the Independent Contractor Unit of the Department of Labor and Industry makes an initial determination regarding employment status, an appeal to the Court is a de novo proceeding. §§ 39-51-1109, 39-71-415.