<prompt> Human: I work at a software company. This company hires hourly contractors. I am not one of them. I am a company employee. For 5 years I have been the only company hourly employee in my department of over 40 full time employees. I have tried many times to have my status changed to salary, but have been denied or ignored.My question: is there any legal basis or timeline where this can no longer continue? I have the same responsibilities as the other full time employees. I feel alienated and uncomfortable with this situation. I have to worry about extra rules and stipulations due to my employment status. Any insight appreciated  <response>: Nobody is required to be paid a salary 