Newark Construction Firm Faces Stop-Work Order Amid Multiple Workers' Rights Violations

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development has issued a stop-work order to Ultimate Framing L.L.C, revealing systemic issues around wage payment and employee rights.

NEWARK, N.J. - The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development's (NJDOL) Division of Wage and Hour and Contract Compliance has issued a stop-work order to Ultimate Framing L.L.C., a construction company based in Newark, New Jersey. The order was issued on June 29, 2023, following an on-site inspection that revealed several workers' rights violations.

The inspection, carried out at the Parq Housing Project at 100-900 Lanidex Plaza, Parsippany, New Jersey, involved interviews with multiple workers. Reports indicate that employees were receiving cash payments without statutory deductions and lacked pay stubs. Additionally, none of the interviewed workers confirmed receiving earned sick leave.

The identified violations include improper classification of construction workers, failing to properly classify employees, and the absence of a statement of deductions and earned sick leave.

The construction company has requested a hearing to appeal the stop-work order. If the appeal proceeds, the NJDOL has seven days to schedule a hearing.

Since the expansion of its powers in July 2019, the NJDOL has issued 110 such stop-work orders. These orders are implemented to cease work conducted in a manner that exploits workers or contravenes state laws and regulations.

The NJDOL will continue to monitor locations where stop-work orders have been issued. Any employer found in violation of an order may face civil penalties of $5,000 per day. The stop-work order can be lifted if the employer pays all remaining back wages and penalties, and all related issues are resolved.

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