NJ Blacklists 14 Businesses for Unpaid Wages and Taxes, Prohibiting Public Contracts

New Jersey Labor Department enforces strict measures against 14 defaulting companies, elevating the total to 82, to uphold state wage and tax laws.

Morristown, NJ - The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has escalated its crackdown on wage and tax law violations by adding 14 businesses to its public blacklist. These companies, accused of flouting state regulations, now face a ban from public contracting until they clear their dues, which amount to over $956,000 in unpaid wages, benefits, and taxes.

Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo affirmed the department's commitment to fair labor practices, stating, "Our mission is to ensure all workers are legally classified and fairly compensated, and that no employer gains a competitive advantage by skirting their responsibilities under the law.” He emphasized that the enforcement tool targets "bad actors who have refused multiple opportunities to come into compliance."

The WALL, an acronym for Workplace Accountability in Labor List, serves as a public ledger, showcasing companies that have neglected their workers and the state by violating wage, benefit, or tax laws. Updated monthly, the list reflects ongoing efforts to address worker misclassification and exploitation, issues that have significantly impacted state revenues.

Peter Basso, Director of the Office of Strategic Enforcement and Compliance, highlighted the office's commitment to "a safe and respectful work environment for New Jersey’s entire workforce." The WALL, he noted, is a vital component in enforcing state labor laws and targeting employers who exploit their workers for financial gain.

Businesses on The WALL, which was initiated in September through bipartisan legislation, are barred from public contracts with state, county, or local governments until they settle their liabilities. They receive prior notification and a 20-day window to rectify their situation before being publicly listed.

The NJDOL's stringent measures reflect a broader campaign to uphold labor standards and protect fair-minded businesses across New Jersey from unethical competition. This initiative not only safeguards employees but also maintains a level playing field in the business community.

Added to The Wall in December 2023 includes businesses like:

A Z Construction of NJ Inc
Brasero Chicken 3 LLC
Dar's Staffing LLC

EC Abatement Inc.
Lane Mechanical Heating and Cooling LLC
Mi Casa Es Su Casa II, Inc.
New Empire Construction LLC
NYC Factory 2 Inc
Opportunities for All Inc.
Quench Solar LLC
Red Square Foods, Inc.
River Drive Companies LLC
Mighty Mustard Seed, LLC (d/b/a The UPS Store 4525)
Vortechx Applied Technologies, LLC