Official Site of The State of New JerseyNJDOL Issues Stop-Work Orders to 2 More Contractors Performing Work at American Dream Mall
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2024
TRENTON – Investigators from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s (NJDOL) Division of Wage and Hour and Contract Compliance issued the following stop-work orders on March 19:
Employer: Metro Construction and Design Inc. of Flushing, N.Y.
Work Location: Kaiten Zushi at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford
Category: Public Works Construction
Details: Metro Construction and Design was hired by S&S Plumbing of Wayne, which was issued a stop-work order on March 12.
Violations: Failure to Register; Failure to Pay Prevailing Wage; Unpaid Wages/Late Payment
Employer: Tim’s Electric Inc. of Hazlet.
Work Location: Miniso at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford
Category: Public Works Construction
Violations: Failure to Register; Failure to Pay Prevailing Wage; Unpaid Wages/Late Payment; Improper Classification of Construction Workers; Failing to Properly Classify Employees; Failure to Pay Minimum Wage; Earned Sick Leave – Records; Earned Sick Leave – Notification/Posting
NJDOL has issued 158 stop-work orders since these powers were expanded in July 2019.
Stop-work orders are initiated by NJDOL to halt work being performed in a manner that exploits workers or is otherwise noncompliant with state laws and regulations. An employer may appeal a stop-work order, in which case NJDOL has seven days to schedule a hearing.
NJDOL continues to monitor locations where stop-work orders have been issued and can assess civil penalties of $5,000 per day against an employer conducting business in violation of the order. The stop-work order may be lifted when any remaining back wages and penalties have been paid and all related issues have been resolved.
NJDOL and its partners at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and the New Jersey Department of Education sent direct letters reminding local governments and boards of education of their responsibilities under the New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act.
NJDOL maintains a record of registered public works contractors that should be consulted by any government agency or entity before hiring for a public works project. Doing so can help avoid unnecessary project delays and extra costs to businesses, schools, government entities and taxpayers. The list contains thousands of businesses, and is searchable by name, address, registration date, and certificate number.
In addition, registered public works contractors are required to participate in Registered Apprenticeship programs, which ensures that public funds contribute to the training of New Jersey workers in the construction sector.
For more information on worker benefits and protections, please visit myworkrights.nj.gov.
