The U.S. Department of Labor and MDG Design & Construction LLC have reached a settlement over wage violations atthe federally-assisted 26-story Grand Street Guild rehab project in New York City’s Lower East Side. MDG and other firms involved will pay $3.8 million in back wages and fringe benefits to about 200 of MDG’s subcontractors’ construction workers.
Previous investigations led to the repayment of more than $1.1 million in back wages to 300 laborers and mechanics who worked for MDG’s subcontractors.The contractors have also agreed to expansive compliance measures to prevent future violations.
The labor department’s Wage and Hour Division found numerous Davis-Bacon and Related Acts violations by MDG subcontractors, including failure to pay required prevailing wages and submitting inaccurate or falsified payroll records to the government. As part of the settlement, MDG will retain an independent monitor for three years with responsibilities for conducting regular reviews of the company and its subcontractors to confirm compliance with applicable wage and hour laws on all prevailing wage and federally-assisted projects.
In addition to MDG, the settlement agreement includes Charis Consulting LLC, Kona Contracting LLC, as well as Michael Rooney and Nicola DeAcetis — owners of all three companies — and Neys Escobar, an owner of Kona. All of the companies are based in Huntington Station, N. Y.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 28, 2017
Commercial properties address state carbon-reduction policies
EV charging stations, batteries, and microgrid technology are all part of effort to meet demand for cleaner power.
Codes and Standards | Aug 24, 2017
OSHA silica dust exposure enforcement begins Sept. 23
Vacuum dust collection, water-delivery systems, and respirators will be required.
Codes and Standards | Aug 18, 2017
Cool roofs may increase air pollution
California’s requirement for cool roofs on new non-residential buildings could promote smog.
Codes and Standards | Aug 17, 2017
Black market sales of OSHA training certifications plague New York City construction industry
Task force formed to get fake training cards off the streets and workers properly trained.
Codes and Standards | Aug 16, 2017
Big changes coming to Ontario building code
Proposals include solar-ready roofs, more stringent heating/cooling efficiency requirements, and graywater reuse.
Codes and Standards | Aug 15, 2017
ASHRAE certifications recognized by DOE as meeting Better Buildings Workforce Guidelines
Two of six such certifications are ASHRAE programs.
Codes and Standards | Aug 14, 2017
New edition of AISC Steel Construction Manual now available
Includes the 2016 Specification for Structural Steel Buildings.
Codes and Standards | Aug 10, 2017
AAMA releases updated Standard Test Method for Water Penetration Using Dynamic Pressure
The update applies to windows, curtain walls, and doors.
Codes and Standards | Aug 9, 2017
UpCodes aims to make researching building codes, regulations easier through searchable app
App currently includes building codes of 40 states and New York City.
Codes and Standards | Aug 8, 2017
3D printing industry working to implement standards for products, processes
Additive Manufacturing Standardization Collective (AMSC) will develop industry-wide additive manufacturing standards and specifications.