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 11, 2020
Inefficient air conditioning is a key contributor to global warming
More efficient equipment and buildings could make a big difference.
Codes and Standards | Aug 10, 2020
Concrete Institute and Post-Tensioning Institutes expand partnership
Will collaborate on new structural post-tensioned concrete code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2020
SpeedCore demonstrates excellent fire resistance without additional fire-protective coatings
New York City approves metal-concrete product for all five boroughs.
Codes and Standards | Aug 5, 2020
Designing, redeveloping communities for zero energy needed to address climate change
District heating and cooling systems boost efficiency.
Codes and Standards | Aug 4, 2020
Virginia is the first state to adopt COVID-19 worker safety rules
Include social distancing requirements, notifications when co-worker tests positive, timelines to return to work after recovery.
Codes and Standards | Aug 3, 2020
Report aids local governments on policy options, pathways to electrify new buildings
Document focuses on switching appliances and equipment away from natural gas, propane.
Codes and Standards | Jul 30, 2020
Institute for Market Transformation acquires Energy-Efficient Codes Coalition
Goal is to achieve net-zero construction by 2050.
Codes and Standards | Jul 29, 2020
Crackdowns grow on construction firms that fail to follow COVID-19 guidelines
States, cities, and OSHA enforce social distancing, hand-washing regulations.
Codes and Standards | Jul 28, 2020
California utility adopts climate emergency declaration
Sacramento-region company commits to working towards carbon neutrality by 2030.
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2020
Updated Energy Plus and OpenStudio building energy modeling tools released
Software offers performance enhancements.
