2. News Room

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Joint Enforcement Task Force on Payroll Fraud and Worker Misclassification Seeking Public Comment

MADISON –Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek is encouraging members of the public to provide comment and help inform the work of Gov. Tony Evers' Joint Enforcement Task Force on Payroll Fraud and Worker Misclassification.

The Task Force was created to evaluate current law and potential options, whether through changes to statute or administrative rule, that will help prevent worker misclassification and protect thousands of workers while also leveling the playing field for businesses that follow the law. This issue is not unique to Wisconsin – employers across the country in certain industries commonly misclassify workers as "independent contractors," even when under the law those workers should be classified as employees.

Each year the Task Force submits recommendations to Gov. Evers on how the state may reduce or eliminate any barriers to coordinated agency investigations, prevent worker misclassification from occurring, better investigate potential violations of the laws governing worker misclassification, and improve enforcement.

Today, the Task Force's three subcommittees voted to make five recommendations on how to improve Wisconsin's ability to combat payroll fraud and the business practice of improperly classifying workers to achieve a competitive advantage over businesses that follow the law. The recommendations are available on the Task Force Meeting Information page.

The public is encouraged to provide additional recommendations and/or comments for consideration by the Task Force at its January meeting. Comments can be submitted to the Task Force mailbox: MisclassificationTaskforce@dwd.wisconsin.gov by Dec. 23 at 5 p.m.

The Task Force was created on April 15, 2019 when Governor Evers signed Executive Order #20. More information about Wisconsin's Worker Classification laws and how to properly classify workers is available on the Worker Classification website.

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Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.