Attorney general Ellison forms task force on worker misclassification

Posted by National Alliance for Fair Contracting on

The Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison
July 6, 2023

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced today that he is forming a new Advisory Task Force on Worker Misclassification. He is soliciting applications to serve on the Task Force through the State of Minnesota Open Appointments process. Applications are being accepted now through August 2, 2023.

“Misclassifying workers hurts not only those who are misclassified and their families, it hurts all Minnesotans, including businesses who do the right thing by their employees by playing by the rules, and every Minnesota taxpayer who has to make up the slack for law breaking employers,” Attorney General Ellison said. “I’ve created this task force to gather the best thinking about the problem and make practical, workable recommendations to the Legislature, State agencies, other levels of government, industry, nonprofit organizations, and advocates about how we can put an end to the problem. It’s another way we can help create a more level playing field and a fairer economy, which helps all Minnesotans better afford their lives and live with dignity, safety, and respect.”

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Sweeney Urges Follow Through on Effort to Prevent Misclassification of Workers (NJ)

Posted by National Alliance for Fair Contracting on

June 11, 2019, 10:40 am
Insider NJ

Trenton – The year-long wait for action by the task force established by the governor to stop the misclassification of workers has allowed unscrupulous developers and contractors to continue to ignore the labor laws intended to protect workers’ rights.

In May of 2018, Governor Murphy signed an executive order establishing the Task Force on Employee Misclassification to investigate employee misclassification and develop recommendations to enforce compliance with the laws “ensuring adequate workplace protections and providing employment-related benefits like unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation.”

To date, the task force has failed to produce any public results.

“The construction industry has been plagued by the dishonest and illegal actions of unscrupulous developers and contractors and we are all paying the price,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “The misclassification of workers has resulted in wage theft, off-the-books payments, underfunding workers’ compensation and avoiding taxes. They are exploiting workers for their own gain.”

Employers often misclassify their employees intentionally in order to reduce labor costs, avoid paying state and federal taxes, and boost their own profits.

“Protecting workers’ rights is an important function of government and there should be follow through on the intended work of the task force,” said Senator Sweeney. “During this delay, workers are losing benefits, wages and other compensation. It should be brought to an end.”

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