The Pittsburgh City Council recently voted to establish the Joint Task Force on Construction Industry Fraud amid allegations of widespread fraud in the industry.
The board will identify and combat “unfair trade practices, including tax fraud” committed by the city’s construction businesses. The focus will be on wage violations that result in underpayment or nonpayment of taxes, and low, under-the-table pay rates that prevent some workers from being able to support their families.
A carpenters union claims that Pennsylvania has lost hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid taxes as a result of underpayment of taxes by construction firms. Though some workers who are paid off the books may be undocumented immigrants, the bill makes no mention of monitoring undocumented workers.
The task force will include representatives from the city council, mayor’s office, Pittsburgh Regional Building and Construction Trades Council, Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, and the Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2017
Paper outlines how BREEAM credits can be used for WELL standard compliance
The paper provides guidance on how to streamline pursuit of dual certification.
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2017
Evidence mounts on health, productivity benefits of sustainable work spaces
High-performance green buildings are linked to better job performance.
Codes and Standards | Feb 13, 2017
Calif. commission approves ‘emergency’ balcony code changes
The changes apply to multifamily, hotels, state-owned buildings, and public schools.
Codes and Standards | Feb 9, 2017
Google-initiated program aims to get construction industry to use healthier building materials
Portico platform features a database of products ranked on how they disclose ingredients.
Codes and Standards | Feb 7, 2017
Newer structural standards mitigating earthquake impacts in Oklahoma
Buildings constructed in the last two decades are largely holding up to increased seismic activity.
Codes and Standards | Feb 6, 2017
New York State offers $36 million for energy efficiency on commercial buildings
Programs will provide money for both owners and renters.
Codes and Standards | Feb 6, 2017
New white paper on modular bathroom pods offers insight on best uses
When to use them, cost, and installation are issues that are explored.
Codes and Standards | Feb 3, 2017
Justice in Design initiative to explore how to design a modern jail
The report will inform design principles for New York City jails.
Codes and Standards | Feb 1, 2017
Massachusetts, Colorado, Illinois lead annual Top 10 States for LEED Green Building list
LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance the most popular rating system in top 10 states.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2017
Planning for world’s first floating city underway
New approach to resiliency examined in French Polynesia.