There is a case, ongoing if I remember correctly, in the U.K, where a minister in an Anglican church is suing the church, and apparently the old defense that he doesn't work for the church but for god, so is not an emplyee of the church, has been thrown out.
Apparently the law here on who is an employee depends on who gives instructions and who gives authority to the priest, why is he recognised as a minister ?
If it is because the church gives him the instructions on carrying out his duties and the authority recognised by the community is vested in him by the church, then, in law he is an emplyee of the church with all the rights of an emplyee under UK and European Law.
This could have ramifications going right down through the WT here in the U.K , even Elders are not considered appointed until the O.K comes back from London H.Q and their instructions definately come from there, so a disgruntelled Elder could feasibly sue in certain circumstances. (Not if the dispute is over doctrinal matters of course)
I bet the WT are watching the case with interest, they are shedding Bethel workers and putting old DO's and CO's etc out to grass, there could be a problem for them.
Not quite the same as the above U.S case, but interesting.