TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey labor officials are urging school districts and local governments to use a free online platform to ensure compliance with state wage laws as construction projects ramp up this summer.
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development is promoting the NJ Wage Hub, a digital system designed to verify contractor registration, track payroll records and help ensure workers are paid prevailing wages on public projects.
“For school districts and local governments gearing up for summer construction, the NJ Wage Hub makes wage compliance simple,” said Acting Labor Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis. “This free tool ensures workers are paid what they deserve, creating a level playing field for contractors competing for public work and safeguarding taxpayer dollars.”
Under state law, school districts undertaking construction or renovation projects funded by taxpayers must ensure workers are paid prevailing wages, which are standard rates based on trade and job type. The requirements are outlined in the New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act and the Public Works Contractor Registration Act.
Officials said the NJ Wage Hub helps public entities meet those obligations by allowing them to confirm contractor eligibility, monitor projects and access certified payroll records electronically.
The platform, launched in August 2023, has registered more than 4,500 contractors and 800 public entities and contains nearly 582,000 payroll records from about 48,000 public works projects, according to the department.
State officials said public entities are responsible for ensuring contracts include prevailing wage requirements, verifying contractor registration, collecting weekly payroll records and maintaining those records for public review.
“The state’s prevailing wage and public contracting laws were established to provide good paying job opportunities and apprenticeship programs for New Jersey residents,” said New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “When local governmental units like school districts, municipalities, and counties are getting ready to start capital projects in their communities, the NJ Wage Hub is a tool they can use to ensure they are complying with these important laws. At DCA, we’re doing our part to inform and encourage local governments to strengthen fair wage practices by using the NJ Wage Hub.”
“School districts are balancing a great deal as they prepare buildings for a new school year, and having clear, practical tools can make that work more manageable,” said Education Commissioner Dr. Lily Laux. “The Department of Education supports the Department of Labor’s efforts to help districts carry out summer construction projects responsibly and in full compliance with state law, ensuring our schools are ready to serve students when the new school year begins.”
Officials said the platform is part of broader efforts to support workforce development and compliance, including requirements for contractors on public projects to participate in registered apprenticeship programs.
