NY Construction Firm Faces Halting Orders for Labor Breaches on NJ School Project

Gravity Construction Corp. cited for various labor violations, leading to a stop-work order from NJDOL; workers allege prevailing wage rate infractions.

WESTFIELD, NJ - Investigations by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) have resulted in a stop-work order being issued against the New York-based Gravity Construction Corp. on July 20. The directive followed multiple labor violations unearthed at Roosevelt Intermediate School's renovation project in Westfield, New Jersey.

Acting on a tip-off from the Laborers Union, the NJDOL's Division of Wage and Hour and Contract Compliance launched an investigation. Three workers at the site signed a statement alleging they were being paid less than the New Jersey Prevailing Wage rate for their roles as building laborers handling site cleanup.

The probe uncovered an array of infractions by Gravity Construction Corp., including failure to pay the prevailing wage, delayed payment of wages, failure to register correctly, misclassification of employees, and improper categorization of a construction worker. All these breaches directly impacted the three workers who lodged the initial complaint.

Despite the gravity of the situation, the case is currently on hold, awaiting a notice of request for a hearing. Monetary penalties are yet to be determined.

The stop-work order, a tool that NJDOL employs to safeguard workers from exploitation and enforce compliance with state laws, can be appealed by the employer. In such a scenario, NJDOL has a seven-day window to schedule a hearing. Since gaining expanded powers in July 2019, NJDOL has issued 111 stop-work orders.

Until all back wages and penalties are paid, and related issues resolved, the order will remain in effect. NJDOL continues to monitor these situations closely and can impose civil penalties of $5,000 per day against employers violating the order.

Public entities looking to hire for public works projects are urged to consult NJDOL's list of registered public works contractors to avoid unnecessary delays and added costs. Registered contractors are obligated to partake in Registered Apprenticeship programs, further promoting the upskilling of New Jersey workers in the construction sector.

For detailed information on worker benefits, protections, and previously issued stop-work orders, visit myworkrights.nj.gov and www.nj.gov respectively.