Labor Dept., IRS and 12 states look at home builder subcontractors misclassifying laborers as independent contractors. IRS said it would go easy on fines for construction subcontractors  who promise to withhold and pay taxes on such workers. 

Interest continued this week in Masco's auction of its long-dormant Utah mega-plant, and Gibson Guitar's escalating Lacey flap regarding importing protected wood species continues. These stories were among this weeks' most viewed reports in wood news.

Home builders, subcontractors investigated

By Bill Esler | Updated: 09/19/2011 12:26:00 PM
Custom woodworkers and architectural woodworking firms could be caught up in a broadening labor practices investigation. The Labor Department and IRS say subcontractors' workers are misclassified as independent contractors.

Masco Cabinetry auctions giant Utah plant

By Bill Esler | Updated: 09/14/2011 5:50:00 PM
Equipment from a Masco Cabinetry plant in West Jordan, UT that has been silent since the end of 2008 is now up for auction.

Wood industry groups rally support for Lacey Act

By Karen Koenig | Updated: 09/20/2011 3:42:00 PM
Saying it helps to combat illegal logging and level the playing field for U.S. wood products manufacturers, a coalition of wood industry and environmental representatives voiced their continued support of the Lacey Act in a teleconference call held Sept. 20. A Congressman responds to Lacey Act controversy and Rich Christianson weighs in on Lacey Act Runs Amok

Bostik fined $917,000 following adhesives plant explosion

By Rich Christianson | Updated: 09/19/2011 1:30:00 PM
OSTON -- Bostik, a manufacturer of adhesives for furniture, woodworking and other uses, was cited for 50 alleged violations of workplace safety standards by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Furniture Transport Group ceasing operations

By Rich Christianson | Updated: 09/20/2011 2:33:00 PM
LENOIR, NC -- Furniture Transport Group (FTG), whose client list reads like a who's who of the furniture industry, will shut down operations at its facilities in Lenoir and High Point, NC, and sell off all of its assets.

Also highly read this week: