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EAS Carpenters Applaud Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry for Holding Contractors Accountable for Worker Misclassification

Allegheny County, PA, February 12, 2025 – The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EAS Carpenters) commends the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) for its recent enforcement action against Romero Remodeling Company. The company has been fined $144,000 for misclassifying 192 workers, a significant step in addressing the ongoing issue of worker misclassification in the construction industry.

Worker misclassification is a prevalent problem that strips employees of protections, including unemployment benefits, workers’ compensation, and fair wages. By wrongfully labeling employees as independent contractors, unscrupulous contractors exploit workers, undercut lawful businesses, and deprive the commonwealth of necessary tax revenues.

Since the passing of Act 72 in 2011, L&I has uncovered violations in more than 1,250 construction contractors, resulting in over $4 million in fines. In 2024 alone, 362 contractors were found guilty of misclassifying nearly 1,900 workers, leading to penalties exceeding $1 million. These statistics highlight the widespread nature of the issue and emphasize the urgent need for stronger enforcement and penalties.

“Worker misclassification is wage theft, plain and simple,” said William C. Sproule, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the EAS Carpenters. “It’s time for lawmakers to strengthen Act 72 and provide L&I with additional resources to crack down on violators. Contractors must be held to higher standards to ensure a fair and competitive industry.”

The EAS Carpenters remain constant in their mission to protect workers’ rights and promote fair labor practices. The Carpenters Union urges Pennsylvania’s elected officials to take further action to prevent worker misclassification and support businesses that comply with labor laws.

Click here to read more from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry.

About The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters

The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters is a labor union that develops, trains, and empowers the hardworking men and women of the skilled construction trades. The EAS Carpenters Union has a strong presence in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia, overseeing 25 local unions representing over 42,000 professional construction craftsmen and women.

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