NJDOL Halts Construction at North Brunswick Municipal Building Over Labor Violations

Bella Contracting Services L.L.C. Faces Stop-Work Order Due to Prevailing Wage and Payroll Issues

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has issued a stop-work order against Bella Contracting Services L.L.C., a Fair Lawn-based contractor, amid serious allegations of labor violations. This decisive action took place on March 18, focusing on a construction project at the North Brunswick Municipal Building, where the company was engaged in ceiling grid installation, sheetrock work, and carpentry.

The allegations against Bella Contracting Services include failing to pay the fringe benefit portion of the carpenter's prevailing wage to workers, as well as several weeks of unpaid wages. Such actions are not only deemed exploitative but are in direct violation of New Jersey's stringent labor laws designed to protect workers from such unfair practices.

The specific violations cited by NJDOL investigators encompass failure to pay prevailing wages, inaccurate certified payroll records, and unpaid wages. These violations affected a total of seven workers directly involved in the construction project at the municipal building.

This stop-work order represents one of 158 issued by NJDOL since July 2019, when the department's powers were expanded to better address and combat workplace violations. NJDOL has the authority to levy civil penalties of $5,000 per day against any employer found to violate a stop-work order, underscoring the seriousness with which the state views compliance with labor laws.

Employers subject to stop-work orders have the right to appeal, triggering a mandate for NJDOL to schedule a hearing within seven days. The order may be lifted only when back wages and penalties have been settled, and all compliance issues are fully resolved.

Ongoing Efforts to Ensure Fair Labor Practices:

In a broader effort to enforce labor laws, NJDOL, alongside the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and the New Jersey Department of Education, has issued reminders to local governments and boards of education about their obligations under the New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act.

Contractors involved in public works projects are not only required to adhere to prevailing wage laws but are also expected to participate in Registered Apprenticeship programs. This ensures that public funds are invested in the skilled training of New Jersey’s construction workforce, contributing to the overall quality and integrity of public works projects across the state.

For contractors, government agencies, and workers seeking further information on compliance, worker benefits, and protections, NJDOL recommends visiting myworkrights.nj.gov. This recent enforcement action serves as a reminder of New Jersey's commitment to upholding fair labor standards and protecting workers' rights in the construction sector and beyond.