NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer paid 33 immigrant workers over $900,000 from a settlement involving North American Iron Works Inc. construction firm for failing to pay prevailing wage. Immigrants working for North American Iron Works who were not union employees were being paid $16 per hour instead of the required $42 per hour plus benefits.
North American Iron Works contracted with NYC to build numerous schools in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Manhattan. An employee of North American brought the issue to the comptroller’s office when he realized that he was being underpaid. When the comptroller’s office investigated the matter, it was discovered that North American was not documenting non-union workers when they submitted requests for funds from the city.
Comptroller Stringer hopes to spread awareness regarding workers’ legal rights, as a significant amount of workers do not realize when they have a legal claim against their employer. Stringer expressed the comptroller’s office’s intolerance for dishonest employers and has stated he is eager to work with agencies in the city to reach out to workers and encourage them to come forth with their legal claims.
The employment lawyers at Fitapelli & Schaffer, LLP are strongly committed to protecting the rights of hard working employees. We frequently represent workers who are denied full compensation and prevailing wages for their labor. Please contact us at (212) 300-0375 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your rights. For more information, please visit our website at www.fslawfirm.com.