Wage Theft Costs Washington Construction Workers Millions

Allegations of wage theft at the Ferndale City Hall project have renewed concerns about widespread payroll violations across Washington's construction industry. A new investigation highlights claims that workers were underpaid on a public project while state data estimates construction employees lost more than $142 million in wages over the past decade.

Union leaders say stronger oversight and greater accountability for general contractors are needed to prevent wage theft, while state officials acknowledge enforcement resources remain stretched across thousands of active construction projects.