nj department of labor investigation

The amount of the percentage varies depending upon the employers violations history. Links to assistance with food, housing, child care, health, and more. Note: claims that are handled by mail usually only involve one person (for example, a former employee who did not receive their last paycheck). An investigation by the departments Employee Benefits Security Administration determined that InterArch Inc. and Shirley and Vernon Hill, fiduciaries of the InterArch Inc. Profit-Sharing Plan, violated their fiduciary duties under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. In addition to its own violations, P & B also contracted with at least 5 other lower tier sub-contractors who also failed to properly classify their employees and pay them properly. Get NJDOLs Division of Wage and Hour Compliance joined staff from the Treasurys Division of Taxation, the Department of Banking and Insurance and the Attorney Generals Office to follow up on complaints of workers being misclassified as independent contractors or paid off-the-books while working at the Jersey City construction site. Governor Sheila Oliver, Department of Labor and Workforce Development. .table thead th {background-color:#f1f1f1;color:#222;} -Read Full Disclaimer, "My benefits are ending. Governor Sheila Oliver, Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Multi-Agency Investigation Results in Assessing 20 Contractors More than $1.3M in Back Wages and Penalties. If the employer also owes a penalty, the amount of the penalty will vary depending upon the severity of the offence, the number of employees impacted, and the employers history of violations. Neither you nor anyone else will be able to check on the status of an anonymous complaint. Several members of the NJDOL and OAG staff deserve kudos for their work on this matter and for achieving this outcome: From NJDOL, Legal Liaison Mindy Gensler, Assistant Commissioner of Wage and Hour and Contract Compliance Joseph Petrecca, Division Director David Biglin, Assistant Directors Toni Longo and Barry Hickey, and Assistant Chiefs Marc Goldberg and Lawrence Cirignano all had a hand in leading the investigation. Princeton, New Jersey, United States. I look forward to working with this wonderful group of CFPB's jurisdiction includes banks, credit unions, securities firms, payday lenders, mortgage-servicing operations, foreclosure relief services, debt collectors, and other financial companies . - Individuals and Families, Important Nearly all reports issued by the OIG since FY 2001 and selected reports issued before then are posted on this web page. A to Z, Consumers & Clients - Individuals and Families, Office of Program Integrity & Accountability (OPIA), Disasters & Emergencies - Help & Information, Providers & Stakeholders: Contracts, Legal Notices, Licensing, Rulemaking, Fees, MedComms, Get Involved with DHS:Employment, DHS Police, Nurses, Public Boards/Councils, Contact If the employer does not agree that any wages are due, the complainant will be notified and will have the option of pursuing the matter through the Wage Collection proceeding process. Effective January 1, 2023, the New Jersey minimum wage is $14.13 per hour for most workers. Underground Trade in Stolen Goods, Wolves in Sheep's Clothing: New Jersey's SPCAs 17 Years Later. Use Employer Access to view an account summary, check contribution rates, and more. When a wage claim is filed with the Division of Wage and Hour Compliance against an employer, it is first reviewed by a supervisor to determine whether the Division has jurisdiction. The Employee Benefits Security Administration is satisfied that this settlement will result in a substantial recovery to plan participants of the losses that the fiduciaries actions caused, added OBrien. . At the completion of the inspection, the investigator will advise the employer of any violations and back wages which are due. The maximum amount of a Wage Collection award is $50,000 and complainants must waive any amount over $50,000. This letter spells out in detail the wages, fees, and penalties which are due. We want to make sure employees arent paid any less than what they deserve for an honest days work.. We are grateful for the collaboration with our sister agencies on this joint investigation. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Workers can call the Wage and Hour Division confidentially with questions regardless of their immigration status and the department can speak with callers in more than 200 languages. US Department of Labor recovers $352K in back pay for 653 workers after Detroit area staffing agency misclassifies them as independent contractors, Operator of Dairy Queen franchises fined $42K after federal investigation finds child labor violations at 11 Indiana, Michigan, locations. Preponderance of the evidence means that based on evidence and information gathered through the investigation, an allegation or incident is more likely true than not. *Effective May 27, 2014, the DHS Special Response Unit and the Office of Investigations merged to become the DHS Office of Investigations. div#block-eoguidanceviewheader .dol-alerts p {padding: 0;margin: 0;} Wage & Hour and Contract Compliance. -Read Full Disclaimer. The user is on notice that neither the State of NJ site nor its operators review any of the services, information and/or content from anything that may be linked to the State of NJ site for any reason. 30:6D-17 stipulates: The Department shall ensure that every developmentally disabled person in a community residential facility receives adequate medical and dental care, a nutritionally adequate diet, a full daily program of structured activities, and those other services which are necessary to maximize the developmental potential of the developmentally disabled person in a manner least restrictive of personal liberty. 2022 Top Management and Performance Challenges Facing the U.S. Department of Labor DOL-OIG Semiannual Report to Congress, Volume 88 (April 2022-September 2022) Highlights to the Semiannual Report (April 2022-September 2022) 50 West State St. 14th Floor P.O. I am excited to announce I have joined the Alliance of Women in Workers' Compensation as an Ambassador. In addition, the NJDOL discovered that two of the six affected workers were misclassified as independent contractors, after analysis under the states ABC test. Access reports, information and data tools related to New Jerseys economy and key industry sectors. The U.S. Department of Labor is dedicated to ensuring employers pay essential workers all the wages they earned, said Wage and Hour Division District Director Jorge Alvarez in New York. InterArch Inc. is an international design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and branding. If the claim is assigned to a field investigator, the investigator will contact the employer to make an appointment to inspect the employers records. -Read Full Disclaimer. New Jersey workers who feel they have been wrongly denied compensation or benefits, and employers who have questions about compliance with New Jersey laws may visit myworkrights.nj.gov or call 609-292-2305. Following EBSAs investigation, the departments Office of the Solicitor in New York. @media (max-width: 992px){.usa-js-mobile-nav--active, .usa-mobile_nav-active {overflow: auto!important;}} This important information is subsequently communicated to appropriate internal or external stakeholders and documented to further promote the health, safety and well-being of individuals served. .dol-alert-status-error .alert-status-container {display:inline;font-size:1.4em;color:#e31c3d;} The judge also ordered the employer to pay $7,634 in civil money penalties. NEWARK, NJ - After an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the owner of a Somerset County, New Jersey, construction company has pleaded guilty to one count of felony perjury brought by the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey.. OI investigative findings identify that an allegation or incident is substantiated; meaning that the incident or allegation did occur, or unsubstantiated; meaning that the incident or allegation did not occur. TRENTON - A unique partnership between the New Jersey Departments of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL), Treasury, Banking and Insurance, and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has resulted in the assessment of more than $1.3 million in back wages and penalties to 20 contractors performing construction work at 88 Regent Street in Jersey . Note: Do not complete this form if you have a wage complaint; complete the MW-31A form instead. An official website of the United States government. Governor Phil Murphy Lt. NJDOL is using an identity verification tool to reduce fraud and expedite legitimate claims. .manual-search ul.usa-list li {max-width:100%;} The State of NJ site may contain optional links, information, services and/or content from other websites operated by third parties that are provided as a convenience, such as Google Translate. The Department is authorized to supervise the payment of unpaid minimum wages and/or unpaid overtime compensation owed to any employee (s). ol{list-style-type: decimal;} The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB) is an agency of the United States government responsible for consumer protection in the financial sector. They also did not pay CWHSSA-required overtime compensation to three employees, while one employee did not receive FLSA-required overtime wages. Home, Services It can also inhibit cooperation in good faith with an investigation and inhibit employees from engaging in activities protected by federal law," said Wage and Hour Division District Director Paula Ruffin in Mountainside, New Jersey. TRENTON - A team of more than 60 investigators from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) and the Department of the Treasury, supported by other state agencies, conducted an unannounced investigation of a construction site at 88 Regent Street in Jersey City in response to allegations of worker misclassification. OI staff also perform quality assurance tasks in reviewing and analyzing clinical and social service records and through the investigative process. When can I see the latest unemployment data? P.O. However, a U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division investigation determined that the Iselin, New Jersey, healthcare staffing company failed to comply with wage and fringe benefits requirements under the McNamara-OHara Service Contract Act , Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act. Please subscribe today to NJ.com . Normally, these hearings are held in Trenton; however, if this presents a hardship, the employer can request an alternate location. Our goal is to ensure that each worker is treated fairly at every level, said Assistant Commissioner of Wage and Hour Compliance Joseph Petrecca. Contractors providing services and performing work for federal government agencies must comply with all of the obligations specified in their contracts. The law requires fiduciaries to discharge their duties solely in the interests of plan participants and beneficiaries in a prudent manner, and to diversify plan investments so the risk of large losses is minimized, said Employee Benefits Security Administration Acting Regional Director Cristina OBrien, in Philadelphia. This Unit also investigates "Wage and Hour" criminal violations. Wage Complaint for Non-Payment of Prevailing Wage Rate: if you are an employee working in New Jersey in a construction-related public works project, or if you . I'm not filling anything out that's asking for my social security number and raising that many red flags . We will continue to make sure workers especially young workers who may not yet understand their work rights are being paid properly.. The investigation was undertaken as a result of a criminal referral by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, who also provided valuable assistance during the investigation. /*-->*/. The Division of Public Safety and Occupational Safety and Health enforces laws and regulations that provide for safe working conditions throughout New Jersey's public and private sector. September 15, 2021. If you are unable to find a report, please email us or visit our FOIA page to request a report through the FOIA process. The State of NJ site may contain optional links, information, services and/or content from other websites operated by third parties that are provided as a convenience, such as Google Translate. The investigator has no control over the amount of fees and/or penalties; they are determined after the case has been submitted and reviewed by a supervisor. EBSA is committed to ensuring the integrity of employee benefit programs and holding those who violate the law accountable. 30: 6D - 76 et seq. Governor Phil Murphy Lt. The State of NJ site may contain optional links, information, services and/or content from other websites operated by third parties that are provided as a convenience, such as Google Translate. *Effective May 27, 2014, the DHS Special Response Unit and the Office of Investigations merged to become the DHS Office of Investigations. Note: wage claims that involve any kind of benefit that arises from an employment contract (for example, vacation, holiday, expense reimbursement, commission, severance or bonus pay) will be referred for a Wage Collection proceeding. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal government site. They also did not pay CWHSSA-required overtime compensation to three employees, while one employee did not receive FLSA-required overtime wages. .manual-search-block #edit-actions--2 {order:2;} In total, between the departments settlement and the private class action lawsuit settlement, more than $3 million will be restored to the retirement plan. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. Corporate generalist licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. Comments. The new law requires employers to equip housekeeping and other staff with panic devices when they work in a guest room without any other employees present. Fiduciaries are also prohibited from using plan assets for their own interests.. Tel (609) 292-6767 Fax (609) 633-7366, View Comprehensive List of Investigations, Regulatory, Ethics and Law Enforcement Oversight, - Learn more about areas the SCI investigates, Public Hearing: Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs - The Pagans, 'Organized Crime Spotlight' examines MS-13 in NJ, SCI Releases Report on Hospital-Related Regulatory Oversight and Accountability, SCI Follow-up Report Finds Abuses Continue at Used-Car Dealer Complexes, Juvenile Gun Violence and Neighborhood Gangs, Corrupt Commerce: Heroin, Thievery and the Mandatory Overtime in a Health Care Facility Complaint: if you are ahealth care worker who provides direct patient care (e.g. For more information about the FLSA and other laws enforced by the division, contact the agencys toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Trenton, NJ 08625-0058. .agency-blurb-container .agency_blurb.background--light { padding: 0; } Urges Employers, Workers to Remain Vigilant Against Attempted Fraud $1.2B in Bogus Payments Thwarted During Pandemic . Depending on the nature of the claim, the claim will either be assigned to a field investigator, handled by mail, or referred for a Wage Collection proceeding. Every developmentally disabled person shall have adequate protection from abuse and a wholesome environment in which to live.. This page features up-to-date information on the laws, rules, public notices, and Final Administrative Decisions of the Commissioner. For more information about unemployment insurance, visit the Division of Unemployment Insurance's website. .table thead th {background-color:#f1f1f1;color:#222;} Effective January 1, 2023, the New Jersey minimum wage is $14.13 per hour for most workers. You may file an anonymous complaint by mail if you so choose, but then neither you nor anyone else will receive any information about the complaint unless a resolution is reached with your employer and wages due are sent as part of the resolution. NJDOL will continue to pursue collection of the assessed back wages and penalties as cases settle. Involved with DHS! NJDOL, Treasury Raid Worksite In First Joint-Enforcement Action to Combat Worker Misclassification. 2019, chapter 44, off-site fabrication of components to be used in public works projects are covered under state prevailing wage laws. Learn more about the increase. If the claim is referred to the Wage Collection section, the employer will be notified of the date, time, and location of the hearing. For direct contact, please call your local Reemployment Call Center or contact the Division of Unemployment Insurance at (609) 292-24660 or at UIhelp@dol.nj.gov . The user is on notice that neither the State of NJ site nor its operators review any of the services, information and/or content from anything that may be linked to the State of NJ site for any reason. Princeton University Department of Public Safety - Event Security Team Member; Provide public safety and security services to the . 200 Constitution AveNW Investigations handled by the Labor Unit include Unemployment and Disability Insurance frauds. An NJDOL audit of hours worked and payroll records revealed that, under this law, Men of Steel owed six workers a total of nearly $8,300 in unpaid wages. Effective January 1, 2023, the New Jersey minimum wage is $14.13 per hour for most workers. OSHA and the U.S. department of Labor is conducting an investigation after a workplace accident that resulted in death Friday morning, February 14. On June 13, 2014 the NLRB affirmed an ALJ decision issued in Laurus Technical Institute, 360 NLRB No. .usa-footer .container {max-width:1440px!important;} As discussed below, the law substantially expands the civil and criminal recourse available for nonpayment of wages and for retaliation. EBSA is committed to ensuring the integrity of employee benefit programs and holding those who violate the law accountable.. Men of Steel was hired by general contractor Railroad Posillico JV LLC of Paterson to build reinforcing steel cages for a Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission project in Newark. The Hispanic unemployment rate is at or below its pre-recession level in 11 states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Texas. Plan fiduciaries must ensure they comply with ERISAs provisions to protect workers retirement income. When it is determined that an employee is due back wages or when it is determined that there is a violation of any of the laws and regulations under the jurisdiction of the Division of Wage and Hour Compliance, the employer is sent an Assessment Letter. Additionally, 14 minors were working without a proper Employment Certificate, and the time-in/time-out was not being documented the for minor employees, as the law requires. Google Translate is an online service for which the user pays nothing to obtain a purported language translation. "New Jersey's lifeguards put their lives on the line for the . NJDOL has been ramping up its worker protection and safety enforcement. /*-->*/. New Jerseys lifeguards put their lives on the line for the safety of summer shore visitors, so it's our responsibility to ensure they receive all the wages they are entitled to, said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. The investigation resulted from a complaint alleging that custom fabrication work performed at Men of Steels New Jersey location was subject to the New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act. Visit CareerServices.nj.gov for free resources and trainings. us po box18A:30-3.5 Payment for accumulated sick leave by board of education. p.usa-alert__text {margin-bottom:0!important;} The Labor Department encourages you to report potential fraud by calling (609) 777-4304, by faxing (609) 292-5593, or online. The employer has the right to either pay these wages directly to the employee or submit payment to the Division, and, in turn, the Division will disburse the wages. The NJFLI is a wage-replacement statute that provides benefits to . Investigators from the Division assessed the 14 non-compliant businesses a total of $104,092 in back taxes and have collected $46,597 to date. Governor Sheila Oliver, Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Back Wages Returned to Summer Lifeguards in three Shore Towns After NJDOL Investigation Finds $400,000 Owed in Unpaid Overtime. -Read Full Disclaimer. The plans position in the stock of one of the companies reached almost 70 percent of the plans portfolio before it fell drastically in value, resulting in millions of dollars in losses to the plan. EBSAs Philadelphia Regional Office conducted the investigation. This division enforces labor laws that address conditions of employment and wages, including overtime, payroll deductions, benefits, hours of work, breaks, holiday pay, employment certificates for minors, etc. Some penalties are statutory in nature and are not subject to negotiation. WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced that its Wage and Hour Division is seeking to add 100 investigators to its team to support its enforcement efforts including the protection of workers' wages, migrant and seasonal workers, rights to family and medical leave and prevailing wage requirements for workers on federal contracts. Allegations also included workers not being paid properly for overtime, and employers failing to pay appropriate taxes on purchased construction materials and not carrying workers compensation insurance., After a hard day of work, everyone deserves to receive their full wages and benefits," said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. A to Z. [CDATA[/* >