Exposing labor exploitation in the construction industry to protect workers, support ethical businesses, and strengthen our communities.
THE SHADOW ECONOMY IN WISCONSIN CONSTRUCTION
Right here in Wisconsin, approximately 15,000 construction workers — one in every ten — face systematic exploitation through misclassification, wage theft, and unsafe conditions.
This hidden crisis costs exploited workers between $10,000-$17,000 annually in lost wages and benefits while draining over $200 million yearly from Wisconsin taxpayers through lost tax revenue and increased public assistance costs.
Meanwhile, contractors using these practices gain an unfair 30% advantage over honest businesses playing by the rules.
HOW WE STAND UP FOR WORKERS
The Wisconsin Responsible Contracting Coalition uses strategic advocacy to expose bad-faith contractors who exploit and traffic workers across Wisconsin job sites. By identifying these illegal practices, the coalition safeguards worker rights and promotes fair contracting standards throughout the state:
DOCUMENTING VIOLATIONS
We conduct thorough investigations to document worker misclassification, wage theft, and safety violations with verifiable evidence.
TARGETED CAMPAIGNS
Using geofencing and strategic messaging, we spotlight specific projects where labor exploitation occurs while supporting the projects' community benefits.
COALITION BUILDING
We partner with diverse stakeholders including immigrant rights organizations, ethical contractors, and community development advocates.
POLICY ADVANCEMENT
We provide documented evidence to public officials to strengthen enforcement of existing regulations and support improved protections.
MEDIA PARTNERSHIPS
We collaborate with investigative journalists to amplify findings and bring public attention to exploitation practices.
THE REAL COST OF WORKER EXPLOITATION
Worker exploitation in Wisconsin's construction industry affects over 15,000 workers and costs taxpayers more than $200 million annually while undermining ethical businesses.
REAL WISCONSIN WORKERS, REAL EXPLOITATION
"I was promised $22/hour to work on a large construction site in Madison. After three weeks of 10-hour days, my labor broker paid me only $1,800 in cash—about $15/hour with no overtime. When I questioned the amount, he told me to take it or leave it. With a family to support, I had no choice but to accept."
"My boss gave me a check and told me to cash it at a local bakery. Then I had to use that cash to pay myself and three other workers. No taxes, no records. When I got hurt falling from scaffolding, he said I wasn't an employee and there was no workers' comp. I couldn't work for six weeks and almost lost my apartment."
"I've been in construction for 22 years and run a legitimate painting business. I'm losing bids to companies that come in 30% lower because they use labor brokers and misclassify workers. There's no way to compete when they're cheating the system like that."
JOIN THE FIGHT FOR WISCONSIN WORKERS
REPORT VIOLATIONS
Witnessing worker exploitation on a construction site? Provide information confidentially.
REPORT NOWSTAY INFORMED
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SIGN UPABOUT THE WISCONSIN RESPONSIBLE CONTRACTING COALITION
The Wisconsin Responsible Contracting Coalition is an independent 501(c)(4) organization established in March 2025 to document and combat unethical labor practices in the construction industry.
We serve as a watchdog creating accountability through:
- Fact-based investigation of worker exploitation
- Strategic media partnerships to expose violations
- Public education about the labor broker model
- Targeted campaigns to create accountability
Our approach frames worker exploitation as a human rights issue rather than just a labor concern, allowing us to build broad coalitions and create meaningful change.
Our work began in Dane County with plans to expand to Milwaukee and eventually statewide.
CURRENT CAMPAIGNS
CENTER FOR BLACK EXCELLENCE & CULTURE
The Center for Black Excellence and Culture represents a transformational project for Madison's Black community, led by Rev. Dr. Alex Gee, Jr. This landmark facility will celebrate Black culture, talent, and achievement while addressing Madison's documented racial disparities.
That's precisely why we're concerned about documented instances of worker exploitation occurring during its construction. When labor brokers misclassify workers as independent contractors to avoid tax and benefit obligations, they undermine the very community empowerment the Center stands for.
We believe the workers building this symbol of excellence deserve excellence in their working conditions.
Current Status: WRCC is documenting instances of worker misclassification and wage theft by subcontractors on this project and engaging with project leadership to implement accountability measures that strengthen both the physical structure and symbolic integrity of this landmark development.