Temporary Employees

Wyo. Stat. 9-3-402(a)(vii)(C) provides that “an employee whose term of employment is on a temporary basis for less than six (6) months” is not considered a “member” and WRS does not expect contributions on behalf of such employees.

WRS interprets the statute to require contributions for employees whose term of employment is longer than six (6) months, even if the employee is considered a “temporary employee” by the employer. In instances where an employer had not been paying contributions for an employee because their term of employment was less than six (6) months, but then the term of employment was extended beyond the six (6) months, WRS will bill for contributions and interest back to the date of hire.

In the event that a temporary employee accepts a new and distinct “permanent” position, WRS will bill for contributions beginning with the date of hire for the permanent position.The purpose of the statute is to clarify which employees are to be covered under the System. All full-time and regular part-time employees are to be covered. The above-referenced statute creates an exception for temporary employees whose term of employment is less than six (6) months.

WRS’ policy is designed to prevent an employer from not paying contributions on behalf of an employee that should, by statute, be covered under the System. A temporary employee whose term of employment lasts longer than six (6) months does not meet the statutory exception and the employer should pay contributions for that employee back to the date of hire.

Seasonal Employees