FAQ’s
How common a problem is it that construction workers aren’t paid for their work?
One in five Austin construction workers has reported not being fully paid for their work in the last three years. Although it is impossible to determine the total amount of lost wages in the construction industry in Austin, Workers Defense Project estimates that it receives $6,739,200 in wage theft complaints annually from construction workers. Though Workers Defense Project serves workers in all industries, 80% of Workers Defense Project’s total wage theft cases result from the construction industry.
How many workers die in Texas each year?
According to the most recent data, 142 Construction workers were killed on the job in Texas in 2007. That’s nearly twice as many as any other state in the country. It means that every 2.5 days a construction worker in Texas dies.
Who is responsible for these abuses?
Industry leaders have not ensured economic security and safe working conditions for their construction workforce. Policymakers have failed to guarantee basic protections for construction workers. Moreover, these failed policies have also hurt good construction companies that play by the rules and invest in their workforce to make their business profitable.
Many states and municipalities pass policies to strengthen protections provided by federal laws. Yet, Austin construction workers lack many basic protections that workers in other states and cities enjoy, such as the right to rest breaks, workers compensation coverage, and better enforcement by government regulators of employers who violate the law.
What should be done to protect workers?
Workers Defense Project, the founder of the “Build a Better Austin” coalition recommends a series of best practices that can be implemented by industry leaders and policymakers to improve working conditions and ensure continued economic prosperity in an industry so important to Austin, Texas, and the country.
Both industry leaders and policymakers can implement innovative policies to improve working conditions, reward good business practices, and strictly enforce workplace rights (for further information click here).
Don’t these problems just impact undocumented immigrants?
No, these problems do not affect “just” undocumented immigrants, rather these are industry problems that affects all construction workers. Furthermore, it’s important to note that all workers have rights regardless of immigration status. It’s clear that what is needed in the industry is stricter enforcement of employment rights by government agencies, to keep workers safe, and protect good businesses that abide by the law.
