New Jersey Department of Labor Issues Stop-Work Order to Colorado Contractor on Mercer County High School Project

NJDOL's Division of Wage and Hour and Contract Compliance halts track and field upgrades at Nottingham High School due to multiple violations, affecting five workers, as part of the ongoing monitoring of compliance with state laws.

On August 14, 2023, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development's (NJDOL) Division of Wage and Hour and Contract Compliance issued a stop-work order to JFT Sports Group LLC, a subcontractor from Pueblo, Colorado, working on track and field upgrades at Nottingham High School in Hamilton, NJ. The order follows the identification of several violations during a routine site inspection.

Who: NJDOL's Division of Wage and Hour and Contract Compliance, and JFT Sports Group LLC, the subcontractor on the project.

What: A stop-work order was issued due to multiple violations found during a routine inspection of track and field upgrades at Nottingham High School.

When: The order was issued on August 14, 2023, with the case currently awaiting notice of request for a hearing.

Where: Nottingham High School in Hamilton, NJ.

Why: The stop-work order aims to enforce state laws and regulations, protect workers, and ensure proper compliance with the New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act.

How: The order was issued following a site inspection that identified violations, including Failure to Pay Prevailing Wage; Unpaid Wages/Late Payment; Failure to Register; Inaccurate Certified Payrolls; and Obstruction/Hindering the investigation.

Number of Workers Affected: 5

Monetary Assessments: Not yet assessed.

Since July 2019, NJDOL has issued 139 stop-work orders as part of its ongoing efforts to prevent work performed in a manner that exploits workers or violates state laws. Employers can appeal these orders, and NJDOL has seven days to schedule a hearing if an appeal is made.

The stop-work order may be lifted once any remaining back wages and penalties are paid, and all related issues are resolved. Civil penalties of $5,000 per day can be assessed against an employer violating the order.

In a collaborative effort, NJDOL and its partners at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and the New Jersey Department of Education have also sent direct letters to local governments and boards of education to remind them of their responsibilities under the New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act.

Furthermore, NJDOL maintains a record of registered public works contractors to be consulted before hiring for any public works project. This ensures compliance and helps avoid unnecessary delays and extra costs.

Registered public works contractors must also participate in Registered Apprenticeship programs, contributing to the training of New Jersey workers in the construction sector.

For information on worker benefits and protections, residents and businesses can visit myworkrights.nj.gov. The prompt action by NJDOL demonstrates the state's commitment to worker rights and compliance with regulations, reflecting an ongoing dedication to fair labor practices.