Question 2

Rebecca is 19 years old and has just graduated with a bachelor's in communications degree from a well-known university. Even though she has not worked in a communications job before and has no experience in a communications role, she decides to apply as a part-time graduate assistant for Whisker House, which is a charity dedicated to finding homes for stray cats. The foundation agrees to pay Rebecca a stipend of $1,500 a month, in view of her junior role and her lack of relevant job experience. Even though the stipend is quite low, Rebecca decides to accept the job offer because she wants to get experience in her chosen field.

After a few months, some of the foundation's major contributors do not give their normal contributions. Consequently, the foundation does not receive the expected amount of funding for the coming financial year. Rebecca's supervisor tells her that her role has been dissolved and her services are no longer needed. The foundation has not paid her stipend for two months. When Rebecca asks for payment, the foundation says they do not owe her any money because she was not an employee. They were only giving her work experience. Besides, they didn't sign a written contract, Whisker House is a charity, and under the law, foundations are not expected to pay salaries if there are no available funds for this purpose.

Can Rebecca claim the unpaid stipend under contract law? Please explain your answer citing appropriate and relevant legal basis.