OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. — To bring attention to the growing problem of employer tax fraud in the construction industry, Carpenters in Oklahoma City, along with other carpenters across the United States and Canada, are preparing for a Days of Action event.According to a release, across the United States, tax fraud committed by construction contractors cost state and federal treasuries $10 billion a year.
Furthermore, illegal and low-road employment practices in the construction industry have forced 39 per cent of construction worker families to rely on social safety net programs to make ends meet and the nationwide cost is estimated to be $28 billion a year. 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, cheque cashing stores and other financial institutions that they must report the suspicious transactions of construction contractors, adds the release.
Carpenter members of the Central South Carpenters Regional Council will be rallying in support of fair employment practices and enforcement of laws on April 11 at 5 p.m. CT at the Stand Up to Tax Fraud Rally at Scissortail Park at the Love’s Travel Stops Stage located at 415 S. Robinson Ave. in Oklahoma City.