STATE:

Why NFIB

Take Action

Get Support

Stay Informed

Podcast Podcast

Careers Careers

Join Now

Home / News /

Wisconsin Launches Independent Contractor Campaign

December 15, 2023 Last Edit: June 5, 2025

Workforce Development started educational campaign to build a greater awareness among employers and workers about worker misclassification.,

Wisconsin Launches Independent Contractor Campaign

The Department of Workforce Development has announced an educational campaign to build a greater awareness among employers and workers about worker misclassification, a practice when employees are incorrectly treated as independent contractors. Under the law, workers are presumed to be employees, unless it is demonstrated that specific criteria are met to support being classified as an independent contractor. According to NFIB member ballot results, a majority of small business owners favor a single independent contractor definition. The Department of Workforce Development has updated its web page to provide misclassification information, including how to report suspected incidents of misclassification, and how to satisfy the criteria for independent contractor status. The Department says misclassification is a concern because it often results in wage theft, tax avoidance, and the loss of employee benefits, including unemployment insurance and worker compensation. The DWD combats misclassification in the workplace through investigation and enforcement as well as education with a focus on outreach to unions, employers, and business-related organizations, including NFIB.

Topics:

Taxes

State:

Wisconsin

Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Learn More

a lady working on a bike wheel on a wooden desk at a bike repair shop

February 11, 2026

NFIB Wisconsin State Director Reacts to January’s Small Business Optimism Report

NFIB Wisconsin State Director Luke Bacher reacts to January’s Small Business Optimism Report and the increase in uncertainty

February 11, 2026

Small Business Owners Thank SC House for Passing Key Property Tax Bill

NFIB is urging the Senate to pass the measure and ease the financial pressure on Main Street,

February 11, 2026

NFIB Joins Coalition to Prohibit TN from Imposing a State Property Tax

State law gives the General Assembly the authority to impose a state property tax.

February 10, 2026

Rose Files Bill to Grant Tax Credit to Offset Cost of the Illinois Paid Leave Mandate

Illinois legislation would assist small businesses struggling with the cost of the state’s new paid-leave mandate

Wisconsin Launches Independent Contractor Campaign

Related Articles