Daniel Hicks, Business Representative for The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Local 225 joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the passage of House Bill 389, a bill designed to address tax fraud.
Local 225 represents about 1,000 members in the Greater Atlanta area.
Throughout the state, there are construction contractors who commit tax fraud when they misclassify their workers as independent contractors (1099 employees) instead of permanent full-time workers (W-2 employees).
H.B. 389, which passed in both houses, codifies existing case law on whether work classifies a person as an employee or an independent contractor. It Includes Georgia Department of Labor civil penalties. The legislation initially started as an educational campaign and members of Local 225 spoke with their representatives to explain the need for the bill and to urge its passage. Now, members from Locals in other states are reaching out to Hicks for the blueprint in order to pass similar legislation in their state.
In addition to H.B. 389, Hicks also spoke about the different organizing tactics the Local is using to help recruit non-union members and increase their membership.
Listen to the interview to learn more about these topics.