Illinois Recovers Over $110,000 for Construction Workers After Wage Law Violations

Illinois has recovered more than $110,000 for construction workers after an investigation revealed wage law violations on a solar energy project in Winnebago County. The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) announced the findings, which determined that Premise, Inc. failed to pay the prevailing wage to laborers and electricians working on the public-funded project.

As a result of the investigation, 27 workers will receive a total of $91,991.60 in back wages. Additionally, the company was ordered to pay $18,398.32 in legal sanctions to the IDOL. This action underscores the state's commitment to ensuring that workers on public projects receive fair compensation as mandated by law.

Jane Flanagan, Director of the Illinois Department of Labor, emphasized the importance of enforcing these regulations. "Workers on public-funded construction projects deserve every dollar they have earned under Illinois law," she stated. "The Prevailing Wage Act ensures that contractors compete fairly while protecting workers from being underpaid. The IDOL will continue to investigate violations and hold employers accountable when they fail to meet their legal obligations."

The Prevailing Wage Act in Illinois requires all contractors and subcontractors on public works projects to pay workers a minimum wage determined by their trade and the county in which the work is performed. This includes both cash wages and the value of fringe benefits, aiming to ensure fair compensation and maintain equitable competition among construction companies.

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Workers on public-funded construction projects deserve every dollar they have earned under Illinois law. The Prevailing Wage Act ensures that contractors compete fairly while protecting workers from being underpaid. The IDOL will continue to investigate violations and hold employers accountable when they fail to meet their legal obligations.