Labor union workers had an informational picket in Iowa City on Tuesday. The picketing was centered around Tax Fraud Awareness week with protesting of JC Toland Painting’s labor practices.

“JC Toland Painting is a company that works under a tax fraud model that misclassifies their workers by paying cash with no tax deductions, no workers compensation, or overtime,” said Royce Peterson, the Assembly representative for Carpenters 1260.

“Every day there are more and more contract workers coming in from underground market places that destroy the fabric of our communities. As union workers, we fight against that. Our brothers band together in solidarity to protect against this type of stuff.”

Steve Chase, vice president of JC Toland Painting, said in an e-mail to The Daily Iowan, said the allegations made by the union were baseless.

“JC Toland Painting denies these unfounded allegations,” Chase said. “JC Toland Painting’s employment practices are in compliance with applicable labor laws. JC Toland Painting strives to provide all its employees with opportunities for financial advancement in this competitive labor market. It looks forward to continuing to contribute to the Iowa City community.”

Editor’s Note: This story was updated on April 14 for clarification and to add comment from JC Toland Painting.

Gallery • 11 Photos

Daniel McGregor-Huyer

Union workers and labor protesters march in front of 120 Burlington St. in downtown Iowa City on Tuesday, April 12, 2022. The workers hosted an informational picket to protest JC Toland Painting’s labor practices.