Official Site of The State of New Jersey

April 24, 2026

TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Labor (NJDOL) issued separate stop-work orders against two out-of-state contractors on April 14, 2026, after NJDOL investigators found wage theft and multiple labor law violations affecting workers on the construction of an apartment building at 430 Market Street in Newark. 

Employer #1: DM Windows, Staten Island, N.Y.
Nature of Work: Window installation
Details: DM Windows was hired to the project by subcontractor Silhouette Glass U.S. of Brooklyn, N.Y.
Violations: Improper classification of construction workers; failing to properly classify employees; hindering the investigation/failure to provide records; unpaid wages/late payment; minimum wage, overtime rate, and Earned Sick Leave records and notification/posting violations.
Workers Affected: 43 

Employer #2: BLK1 Construction Corp., New York, N.Y.
Nature of Work: Carpentry
Details: BLK1 Construction Corp. was hired to the project by subcontractor Pop Interiors Inc. of Monroe, N.Y.
Violations: Improper classification of construction workers; failing to properly classify employees; hindering the investigation/failure to provide records; unpaid wages/late payment; records, overtime rate, and Earned Sick Leave records and notification/posting violations.
Workers Affected: 38 

“New Jersey’s labor laws apply to every employer working in this state, regardless of where they come from,” said Assistant Commissioner for Wage and Hour Compliance Joseph Petrecca. “Out-of-state employers who do business in New Jersey have a legal obligation to play by our rules and treat workers fairly.” 

NJDOL has issued 219 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 if and when any remaining back wages and penalties have been paid and all related issues have been resolved. 

For more information on worker benefits and protections, please visit myworkrights.nj.gov. 

 Go back to all press releases