Oklahoma City (April 1, 2024) — Carpenters in Oklahoma City are preparing for a Days of Action event to bring attention to the growing problem of employer tax fraud in the construction industry. Oklahoma carpenters, along with other carpenters across the U.S. and Canada, will be protesting fraud in the construction industry from April 13-19.

“As the Baltimore Bridge collapse reminds us, our public infrastructure must be repaired. Today it is more important than ever to address the employer tax fraud crisis,” said Executive Secretary-Treasurer Kavin E Griffin.

Across the U.S., tax fraud committed by construction contractors cost state and federal treasuries $10 billion a year. In Oklahoma, it is estimated to cost taxpayers $96.3 million every year. Read the about data on all states.

Moreover, illegal, and low-road employment practices in the construction industry have forced 39% of construction worker families to rely on social safety net programs to make ends meet. The nationwide cost is a staggering $28 billion a year. Click here for a selection of state-level reports from UC-Berkeley's Labor Center.

Tax fraud and workers’ compensation premium fraud have reached such alarming levels in the construction industry that the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network notified banks, check cashing stores, and other financial institutions that they must report the suspicious transactions of construction contractors.

Carpenter members of the Central South Carpenters Regional Council will be rallying in support of fair employment practices and enforcement of laws at the following Days of Action event: 

Stand Up to Tax Fraud Rally

Scissortail Park at the Love’s Travel Stops Stage

415 S. Robinson Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73109

April 11, 2024, at 5 p.m. CT.

 

Visit stoptaxfraud.net/standup and centralsouthcarpenters.org.