Stop-Work Orders for Wage Theft, 18 Workers Affected

NJDOL Halts Work by Franklin Township Contractor for Wage Theft, Labor Violations at Public College and Library Projects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 14, 2026

TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Labor (NJDOL) issued two stop-work orders against Artur Alves Excavating Inc. of Franklin Township on April 8, 2026, after NJDOL investigators uncovered wage theft and multiple labor law violations affecting workers at public works projects at The College of New Jersey and Cranford Public Library construction sites.

Stop-Work Order #1: Work Location: The College of New Jersey, Forcina Hall, Ewing, N.J.
Nature of Work: Concrete
Details: Artur Alves Excavating Inc. was hired to the project as a subcontractor by primary contractor Imperial Construction & Electric Inc. of Springfield, N.J.
Violations: Failure to keep accurate certified payrolls; failure to provide prevailing wage mandatory orientation form; falsified certificate.
Workers Affected: 6
Status: The employer has requested a hearing.

Stop-Work Order #2: Work Location: Cranford Public Library, Cranford, N.J.
Nature of Work: Concrete
Details: Artur Alves Excavating Inc. was hired to the project as a subcontractor by primary contractor Grove Contracting L.L.C. of Verona, N.J.
Violations: Failure to pay prevailing wage; failure to keep accurate certified payrolls; failure to provide prevailing wage orientation form; unpaid wages/late payment; no daily weekly/hour time records; Earned Sick Leave records and notification violations; falsified certificate.
Workers Affected: 12
Status: The employer has requested a hearing.

"Wage theft and payroll fraud on public works projects betrays workers, taxpayers, and honest contractors," said Assistant Commissioner Joseph Petrecca. "We will continue to vigorously enforce the state’s labor laws to protect the rights of every worker and hold bad actors accountable. Leveling the playing field for responsible employers strengthens New Jersey's workforce and economy."

NJDOL’s Division of Wage and Hour Compliance has issued 215 stop-work orders since these powers were expanded in July 2019.

Stop-work orders are initiated by NJDOL to halt work being performed in a manner that exploits workers, or is otherwise noncompliant with state laws and regulations. An employer may appeal a stop-work order, in which case NJDOL has seven days to schedule a hearing.

NJDOL continues to monitor locations where stop-work orders have been issued, and can assess civil penalties of $5,000 per day against an employer conducting business in violation of the order. The stop-work order may be lifted if and when any remaining back wages and penalties have been paid and all related issues have been resolved.

NJDOL maintains a record of registered public works contractors that should be consulted by any government agency or entity before hiring for a public works project. Doing so can help avoid unnecessary project delays and extra costs to businesses, schools, government entities, and taxpayers. The list contains thousands of businesses, and is searchable by name, address, registration date, and certificate number.

In addition, registered public works contractors are required to participate in Registered Apprenticeship programs, which ensure that public funds contribute to the training of New Jersey workers in the construction sector.

For more information on worker benefits and protections, please visit myworkrights.nj.gov.

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