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The North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters has launched a website, www.respectthecraft.org, aimed at creating public awareness around the issue of payroll fraud, one of the problems identified in the Workday Minnesota series on wage theft.
“The mission of Respect the Craft: Stop Defrauding Carpenters is to let the general public know there is a serious problem in the construction industry,” the union announced. “To let them know that carpenters are being paid cash, off the books, without overtime pay, workers compensation or health or medical benefits. To let people know that, sometimes, carpenters aren’t paid at all for the work they do, and that often there is nothing they can do about it.
“In addition, contractors who willingly misclassify their workers as independent contractors and who deny them livable wages can often bid much lower on projects than our signatory contractors, who pay our members a livable wage and health and pension benefits, can do. These contractors often don’t follow the appropriate safety procedures on a jobsite and let the tax burden of caring for their workers fall on the community, rather than taking it upon themselves as business owners.”
Visitors to the website will find a description of the problem of payroll fraud as well as a video to watch that talks more about it. They may also sign a pledge in solidarity with all carpenters as well as talking points on payroll fraud to share with family, friends and neighbors. In addition, the website provides resources for workers who may have been victims of payroll fraud and a place to report the problem.
“This is just the beginning of this campaign,” the union said. “As we move forward, more videos will be made and we will reach out to media in the various states of our Council. You will begin seeing more discussion of payroll fraud on our social media pages, such as Facebook and Twitter (@NCSRCCarpenters).”
More information about payroll fraud is also available in this Workday Minnesota article.