Saying the company represents a threat to workers’ welfare, the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, or IUPAT, has called for a boycott of PPG, a paint company that also operates a digital platform that allows commercial project managers to schedule painting services from independent contractors and workers under the brand PPG Services.

IUPAT said in a statement released Monday that it fears the rates PPG Services charges for projects “will inevitably make it impossible for painting companies to pay their workers fair wages, adequate health and retirement benefits.” The union said PPG refused its request to require contractors to pay area standard wages.

“We’ve all seen the disastrous consequences the gig economy has had in other industries. Uber drivers were promised livable wages and a flexible job, but many now complain they cannot earn a living wage. We can’t let the commercial paint industry suffer the same fate,” IUPAT General President Ken Rigmaiden said in a statement.

In a statement provided to Banker & Tradesman, PPG said that the construction industry must develop new solutions to meet changing customer needs.

“We remain confident in the PPG Services value proposition based on positive customer feedback and continued interest in the platform,” PPG spokesperson Greta Edgar said in an email. “PPG Services provides opportunities for painters to access new jobs at fair, competitive wage rates. Many painters, including IUPAT members, have already benefited from working with PPG Services. We will continue to work toward an amicable solution with IUPAT to ensure mutual success.”