NJDOL Launches “The Wall” to Name and Shame Businesses That Violate State Labor Laws

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development is set to name and shame businesses that violate wage, benefit, and tax laws, barring them from public contracting opportunities.

TLDR: In a stringent move to enforce compliance with state labor laws, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) is issuing warning letters to employers with outstanding liabilities. Non-compliant businesses risk being publicly listed on the new Workplace Accountability in Labor List (The WALL) and barred from public contracting opportunities within the state.

A powerful new tool has been implemented in New Jersey thanks to bipartisan support. The WALL aims to protect fair-minded businesses across the state from employers who disregard their workers to gain an unfair advantage. Any business appearing on The WALL will be ineligible for public contracting with state, county, or local governments until they fully pay their liabilities and have their name removed.

"Public contracting is a privilege – not a right. And, complying with state wage and hour and tax laws and providing benefits such as paid time off and overtime, are not optional," declared Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. The Commissioner emphasized the intention to use every legal means to support workers and maintain a level playing field for law-abiding employers.

The WALL, announced as the first major initiative of the new Office of Strategic Enforcement and Compliance, is a part of coordinated cross-division and cross-state agency enforcement efforts. 

Director Peter Basso stated, "This resource is just one part of our coordinated cross-division, cross-state agency strategic enforcement efforts to ensure employers are adhering to New Jersey's state, benefit, and tax laws."

The WALL will serve separately from, and potentially in addition to, other accountability measures, such as public contractor debarment and business license suspension or revocation. Procurement officers at state, county, and municipal levels will be able to cross-reference The WALL before awarding public contracts, in line with current practices involving the debarment list.

Starting in September, the list of non-compliant businesses will be accessible at nj.gov/labor/wall and updated monthly. Approximately 40 businesses are already in line to be posted on The WALL and have been given one final opportunity to settle delinquent liabilities for worker wages, penalties, and fees. Further notifications to additional businesses are planned for the fall.

Those with questions about The WALL can reach out via OSECInquiries@dol.nj.gov or 609-376-4952. Additionally, a comprehensive list of questions and answers about The WALL can be found at nj.gov/labor/wall.

By creating and enforcing The WALL, the NJDOL demonstrates a clear commitment to uphold the rights of workers and create a transparent and fair environment for all businesses operating in the state of New Jersey. This move is a significant step towards ensuring compliance with wage, benefit, and tax laws, highlighting the role of the state in protecting both employers and employees.