Worker misclassification occurs when employers illegally label employees as “independent contractors” to avoid paying wages, benefits, payroll taxes, workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance. It is one of the most widespread and damaging forms of wage theft in the construction industry today.

The NWI Building & Construction Trades Council is committed to fighting worker misclassification across Northwest Indiana. When unscrupulous contractors misclassify workers, they undercut honest employers who follow the law, cheat workers out of benefits and protections they have earned, and deprive Indiana of millions in tax revenue every year. Misclassified construction workers have no access to workers’ compensation if they are injured on the job, no unemployment benefits if work dries up, and no path to the retirement security that comes with proper employment. This is not just a labor issue — it is a public safety issue and a taxpayer issue. We urge state and local officials to strengthen enforcement, increase penalties, and ensure that every worker on every job site in Northwest Indiana is properly classified and protected.