The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has issued stop-work orders to four subcontractors involved in the construction of The Wave, a new residential apartment complex in Jersey City. 

The orders, aimed at halting operations due to various labor violations, highlight the state's rigorous stance on upholding worker protections.

On February 28, L&S Drywall Experts Corp. of Plainfield, Betancourt Drywall LLC of New Brunswick, and A-Class Construction Corp. of Newark, all second-tier subcontractors, were served with stop-work orders. 

A similar order was issued to first-tier subcontractor Valex Enterprises of Marlboro, though it was later lifted following a successful appeal. 

This decisive action came after NJDOL investigators found multiple violations at the 30 Park Lane North worksite, including the improper classification of construction workers, failure to pay minimum wage and overtime, and infractions related to record-keeping and Earned Sick Leave notifications.

Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo emphasized the state's dedication to safeguarding worker benefits and protections. 

"Workers and law-abiding businesses deserve every benefit and protection afforded to them in the state of New Jersey," Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo stated, stressing the expectation for employers to adhere to legal standards and treat their workers with respect and dignity.

The investigation identified approximately 262 workers adversely impacted by these infractions, demonstrating the significant reach of the violations. 

Notably, this is not the first instance of stop-work orders being issued at this site; in April 2023, subcontractors Concrete Rising LLC of Eatontown and Signatura Laboris of Englewood faced similar sanctions.

Stop-work orders serve as a critical tool for the NJDOL to pause operations that exploit workers or violate state laws and regulations. 

Employers have the opportunity to appeal these orders, with NJDOL required to schedule a hearing within seven days.

The department continues to monitor locations under stop-work orders closely, imposing civil penalties of $5,000 per day against non-compliant employers. An order may be lifted once back wages and penalties are paid and all compliance issues are resolved.

Since July 2019, when the Governor and Legislature expanded its powers, NJDOL has issued 158 stop-work orders, underscoring the administration's proactive approach to labor law enforcement. For more details on worker benefits and protections in New Jersey, individuals are encouraged to visit myworkrights.nj.gov.