June 13, 2019 (Nashville). It’s no longer business-as-usual in Nashville’s construction boom.

Nashville construction workers scored another victory! Commercial painting worker and Workers’ Dignity member Valentín was fully paid over $3,000 last Thursday for nearly eighty hours of painting he said he completed 7 months ago. Subcontractor John Warner paid after he and Capital City Construction owner Shawn Bailes came to Workers’ Dignity just hours before a planned community protest at the luxury Airbnb development at 1820 12th Ave S., in the swanky 12 South neighborhood where Valentín had worked.

The decision to take moral responsibility for stolen wages at the construction site did not come easily. After working 78 hours in just one week back in October 2018, Valentin’s hard work amounted to nothing more than empty pockets. In December 2019, Valentin joined Workers’ Dignity and began urging Capital City Construction,a “boutique” real estate development company, to ensure workers were paid on their worksites. In addition to letters, calls and a delegation to Capital City Construction, painters and their supporters protested outside of the company’s 12 South office in April.  

“I am also asking [Capital City Construction] to hire contractors who fulfill their financial obligations to their workers,” said Valentín after getting his check.

Valentín is part of a growing group of Nashville-area construction workers who are standing up for dignity, livable wages, and safe conditions on the worksites dotting our skyline. Bailes verbally stated he would take measures to avoid future wage theft of construction workers at his company’s sites. Workers’ Dignity will remain vigilant to make sure Capital City Construction keeps its word.