New York, NY— New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer has launched a campaign to return over $2.5
million in unclaimed prevailing wage awards to workers cheated out of their pay.
When construction companies contract with New York City but fail to pay workers the proper wages and benefits, the Comptroller’s office enforces the law to ensure workers receive the money they are owed. Unfortunately, many immigrants that receive communication from the Comptroller’s office are afraid to respond because they fear it is a scam or veiled immigration enforcement.
To reach more workers owed money by employers, the Comptroller has increased outreach activities. A new campaign uses multiple language media outlets and direct contact. Every method of communication is utilized so those owed prevailing wage awards will be paid.
“An honest day’s work deserves an honest day’s pay, and my office has zero tolerance for predatory contractors who steal wages from their workers,” said Comptroller Stringer. “The hateful, anti-immigrant rhetoric coming out of Washington has created a climate of fear, leaving employees too afraid to hold employers accountable when they withhold their pay. While we can’t control the White House, we can fight to protect workers here in New York City. This campaign is our way of making sure that regardless of who you are or your immigration status, if you did the work for a City contractor, you’ll get the pay you deserve.”
Since 2014, Comptroller Stringer’s office has assessed more than $27 million in prevailing wage violations and paid over $12 million to employees who were cheated out of their wages. It has also debarred 50 contractors who took advantage of workers.
Every worker regardless of their country of origin or religious affiliation must be paid what is due to them.,” said Maf Misbah Uddin, Founder and President of the Alliance of South Asian American Labor.
