NJ Bans 14 Businesses from Public Contracts for Unpaid Wages and Taxes

Morristown, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has taken stronger action against wage and tax law violations by recently adding 14 businesses to its public blacklist. These companies, accused of disregarding state regulations, are now at risk of being banned from public contracting until they settle their outstanding dues. The total amount of unpaid wages, benefits, and taxes owed by these businesses exceeds $956,000.

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, which stands for Workplace Accountability in Labor List, functions as a transparent record, highlighting companies that have disregarded the rights of their workers and the state by breaking wage, benefit, or tax laws. This list is regularly updated, reflecting continuous initiatives to combat worker misclassification and exploitation, which have had a significant impact on 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 plays a crucial role in enforcing state labor laws and specifically targets employers who exploit their workers for financial gain, according to Basso.

Businesses listed on The WALL, a program introduced in September through bipartisan legislation, face restrictions on securing public contracts with state, county, or local governments until they resolve their outstanding liabilities. Prior notification is given to these businesses, allowing them a 20-day window to address their situation before their names are publicly disclosed.

The NJDOL’s strict measures are part of a larger effort to uphold labor standards and protect ethical businesses in New Jersey. This initiative not only ensures the well-being of employees but also promotes fair competition within the business community.

Added to The Wall in December 2023 includes businesses:

1. A Z Construction of NJ Inc
2. Brasero Chicken 3 LLC
3. Dar’s Staffing LLC
4. EC Abatement Inc.
5. Lane Mechanical Heating and Cooling LLC
6. Mi Casa Es Su Casa II, Inc.
7. New Empire Construction LLC
8. NYC Factory 2 Inc
9. Opportunities for All Inc.
10. Quench Solar LLC
11. Red Square Foods, Inc.
12. River Drive Companies LLC
13. Mighty Mustard Seed, LLC (d/b/a The UPS Store 4525)
14. Vortechx Applied Technologies, LLC