N.J. labor department adds Morris, Somerset County businesses to labor violations list

TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development has recovered more than $1 million in unpaid wages, fines, penalties and other liabilities through its Workplace Accountability in Labor List, known as The WALL, while adding 18 more businesses to the public enforcement list, including companies based in Morris and Somerset counties.

According to the department, $1,007,181.56 has been recovered since The WALL launched in 2023. The latest update brings the total number of businesses on the list to 389, collectively owing about $36 million in unpaid wages, taxes, contributions, fines and penalties.

“Behind every dollar recovered is a worker denied wages and state programs shortchanged on contributions,” said Acting Labor Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis. “This million-dollar milestone means money back to deserving workers and stronger safety nets for all New Jerseyans.”

The 18 businesses added in July owe a combined $2,000,056.10 in unpaid wages, fines, penalties, contributions and interest tied to violations of New Jersey wage, benefit or tax laws.

Among the newly listed businesses is Patrick T. Sharkey Jr. Pool & Landscape Design Inc., with locations in Dover and Morristown, which the department said owes $12,852.67 for violations of the New Jersey Wage Payment Law and the New Jersey State Wage and Hour Law.

Also added to the list is Tekcon Construction Inc., based in Somerset, which the department said owes $405,115.44 for alleged violations of the New Jersey Wage Payment Law, the New Jersey State Wage and Hour Law and the New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act.

“The WALL’s two-part approach—publicly listing violators and barring them from public contracts—motivates many businesses to come into compliance. That’s the power of transparency and real consequences,” said Peter Basso, director of the department’s Office of Strategic Enforcement and Compliance. “This isn’t about punishment—it’s about protecting workers and honest employers who deserve a level playing field.”

Businesses listed on The WALL are prohibited from receiving public contracts with state, county and local governments until their outstanding liabilities are paid in full.

The initiative was created through bipartisan legislation signed in 2020 to combat worker misclassification, wage violations and other labor law abuses. Before being placed on The WALL, businesses receive written notice and have 20 days to pay the outstanding liabilities or challenge their placement on the list.

The WALL debuted in September 2023 with 36 businesses. The Department of Labor adds new businesses to the list each month.

The complete list of businesses on The WALL is available at nj.gov/labor/wall.