News

Albany, NY – Carpenters from across New York gathered at the State Capitol today to rally against tax fraud and wage theft in the construction industry. The rally was led by members of the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (NASRCC) as part of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America’s (UBC) nationwide effort to bring awareness to the issue of construction industry tax fraud.

The event was capped off with a proclamation issued by the New York State Assembly honoring the NASRCC “for its work combating tax fraud in the construction industry.”

“As New Yorkers file their taxes this week, consider that tax fraud in the construction industry adds up to more than $8.4 billion every year in lost tax revenue. We all lose when contractors commit tax fraud – workers cheated out of the full pay they’ve earned; law-abiding contractors who deserve an even playing field; and every taxpayer forced to pick up the bill to fund critical services. Union carpenters are proud to speak up on behalf of all blue collar workers and demand an end to wage theft.” – Bill Banfield, Assistant to the Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the NASRCC

“Wage theft doesn’t happen by accident – it’s part of a business model that has become far too common in the construction industry. Working families, honest businesses, and all taxpayers are getting ripped off. This year on tax day, let’s put an end to the tax fraud tricks that take money out of workers’ pockets.” – Senator Jessica Ramos

“Wage theft is on the rise in the construction industry, and hardworking men and women are being cheated of wages they have earned. That’s bad for their families, it’s bad for honest contractors, and it’s bad for our economy. Let’s all stand up for blue collar workers – no more wage theft in the construction industry.” – Assemblymember Latoya Joyner

“The entire construction industry is harmed when dishonest contractors misclassify or pay workers under-the-table. We have to work together to crack down on wage theft so hardworking New Yorkers are paid every dollar they have earned. I am honored to stand with the men and women of the carpenters union as part of Tax Fraud Days of Action.” – Assemblymember Carrie Woerner

Each year, brokers and contractors cheat their tax obligations by misclassifying hires and paying an estimated 20 percent of construction workers ‘off the books,’ robbing taxpayers of up to $8.4 billion through lost federal income, employment taxes, and state income taxes. Wage theft and tax fraud deprive cities, states and the federal government of critical tax dollars. They deny ethical businesses the chance to fairly compete for work. Local neighborhoods lose funds necessary for school improvements, infrastructure maintenance, veteran assistance, and capacity for first responders.

In New York State, the Department of Labor has recovered more than $360 million in stolen wages over the past decade. For more information on the 2023 United Brotherhood of Carpenters Tax Fraud Days of Action, visit: https://stoptaxfraud.net/.