U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor Patrick Pizzella outlines how the Department is using suspension and debarment to protect government programs from fraud. See here for more information: … [Read more...] about Rising Suspensions and Debarments Among Federal Contractors
City Sued Over Its Apprenticeship and Disadvantaged Worker Policies
The Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of Associated Builders & Contractors is suing the city of St. Petersburg--alleging that its requirement that companies working on contracts of $1 million or more to have at least 15% of the project workforce hours dedicated to apprentices and another 15% to … [Read more...] about City Sued Over Its Apprenticeship and Disadvantaged Worker Policies
Georgia Contractor Ordered to Pay Over $40K in Back Wages
The U.S. DOL found that a federal contractor in Georgia misclassified five of its employees, and therefore paid wages that were lower than what they should have been under prevailing wage law. Contractor was ordered to pay over $40K in back wages. See here for more information: … [Read more...] about Georgia Contractor Ordered to Pay Over $40K in Back Wages
Philadelphia Bans Contractor for Faking Compliance with Diversity Requirements
The City of Philadelphia barred a New Jersey contractor for bidding on work with the City for three years because an investigation revealed that it did not use any minority or women-owned businesses on its contracts despite promises to do so. City also got $145,000 in a settlement. See here … [Read more...] about Philadelphia Bans Contractor for Faking Compliance with Diversity Requirements
DOL Awards $1.5 Million in Grants to Expand Opportunities for Women
The U.S. DOL awarded grants to the Chicago Women in Trades, the Hampton Roads Workforce Council, and the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership, Inc. organizations to help increase the representation of women in pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs. See here for more information: … [Read more...] about DOL Awards $1.5 Million in Grants to Expand Opportunities for Women
Federal Judge to Rule on Prevailing Wage Increase for Blueberry Harvest
Zirkle Fruit Co. is challenging a 50% increase in wages for blueberry pickers ordered by the U.S. Department of Labor. If increase is upheld, the higher wage will backdate to July 24th and may jeopardize the blueberry harvest in Washington. See here for more information: … [Read more...] about Federal Judge to Rule on Prevailing Wage Increase for Blueberry Harvest