Drywall Workers Deserve Better: Standing Up for Fair Labor Practices

Public money should support fair labor practices, not exploit vulnerable workers

Our recent job action in Providence brings attention to the unfair practices affecting drywall workers, especially on taxpayer-funded projects. At a major construction site, we uncovered another case of worker misclassification, where drywall workers were labeled as independent contractors instead of employees. This practice is more than a technicality; it’s an evasion of responsibility that places the tax burden on workers, denies them essential benefits like workman’s compensation, and creates unsafe conditions.

Why it matters

When taxpayer funds support projects, there should be labor standards in place to protect workers and promote ethical practices. Misclassifying workers is not only exploitative but also shifts costs unfairly onto employees, undercutting protections that every worker deserves. These violations contribute to an underground economy where vulnerable workers are often the ones paying the price.

Impact

Our team’s vigilance led to a $50,000 fine for the company involved, holding them accountable for the misclassification of 10 workers. This result is a step toward fairer treatment and sets an important precedent in the fight against worker exploitation. It also serves as a reminder that public funds should be allocated to projects that support community growth and uphold labor standards, not to those who bypass these essential protections.

This fight isn’t over. We’ll continue to stand up against wage theft, misclassification, and other forms of exploitation in the construction industry. Thank you to everyone who helped make this action a success. Together, we’re advocating for a fairer, stronger labor force.

#DrywallWorkersDeserveBetter #UnionStrong #LaborRights #StopWageTheft #DistrictCouncil11 #FairLabor