TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development added nine new businesses, including a Somerset County academy, to its Workplace Accountability in Labor List — known as “The WALL” — in December, state officials announced.
The additions bring the total number of employers listed to 327 businesses that the state says have allegedly failed to address outstanding liabilities related to wage, benefit or tax law violations. Businesses placed on The WALL are barred from public contracting with state, county or local governments until all liabilities are paid in full.
The nine newly listed businesses collectively owe $243,942.23 in unpaid contributions, penalties and interest to the Unemployment Compensation Fund and State Disability Benefits Fund. Among them is Silvergate Preparatory School, also known as Silvergate Academy, located in Bridgewater Township, Somerset County.
“For over two years, The WALL has played a critical role in leveling the playing field for New Jersey businesses and workers alike, delivering on the Murphy Administration’s commitment to a stronger and fairer economy,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “By leveraging data-driven enforcement and collaboration across state agencies and departments, The WALL has been pivotal in confronting businesses that exploit their workers or fail to meet their obligations to the state.”
Since its launch in September 2023, the state has recovered $759,778.57 in outstanding liabilities from businesses that were either placed on The WALL or warned they would be listed if they did not resolve their debts, officials said. Overall, businesses currently on the list owe more than $30 million either to workers or the state.
The WALL was created through bipartisan legislation in 2020 to combat worker misclassification and exploitation. The compliance tool publicly identifies companies that have failed to comply with state labor laws and prevents them from securing public contracts until violations are resolved.
“OSEC’s strategic enforcement initiatives, including The WALL, are vital to our efforts to eliminate worker exploitation and promote compliance,” said Peter Basso, director of the Office of Strategic Enforcement and Compliance. “As we continue to expand the reach of The WALL, we hope to see more businesses proactively resolve their liabilities and fulfill their obligations to their workers and the state.”
The Office of Strategic Enforcement and Compliance administers The WALL as part of a broader enforcement effort that includes tools such as the Substantial Good Standing review process for grant applicants and the Wage Violation Watchlist, which publicly lists businesses that fail to pay minimum wage or overtime or retaliate against workers.
State, county and municipal procurement officials are required to check The WALL before awarding public contracts, similar to existing debarment requirements. Posting on The WALL may also occur in addition to other enforcement actions, including license suspension or revocation.
The full list of businesses added in December, along with details on violations and liabilities, is available on the Department of Labor’s website.
