DELAWARE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development issued a stop-work order against a Hunterdon County restaurant after investigators alleged multiple wage and labor law violations affecting 14 workers.
According to the department, the stop-work order was issued May 5 against Brunello Trattoria Restaurant & Bar, located at 300 Old Croton Road in Delaware Township.
State investigators said the full-service restaurant allegedly failed to pay minimum wage and overtime, failed to provide earned sick leave, improperly classified employees and committed recordkeeping and posting violations.
The department also alleged unpaid wages, late payments and hindrance of the investigation.
Officials said the restaurant owes $14,501.18 in back wages to 14 workers, along with $1,450.12 in fees and $13,850 in penalties.
“Paying workers properly isn’t optional – it’s the law,” said Assistant Commissioner for Wage and Hour Compliance Joseph Petrecca. “When employers fail to meet their obligations under New Jersey’s wage and hour statutes, NJDOL will take action to protect workers and ensure compliance.”
According to the department, stop-work orders are used to halt operations when employers are found to be violating wage and labor laws and fail to contest or pay assessments within the required time frame.
The state said workers must continue to be paid for up to 10 days while a stop-work order remains in effect.
NJDOL officials said the order can be lifted once all back wages, fees and related compliance issues are resolved.
The department noted it has issued 222 stop-work orders since enforcement powers were expanded in 2019.
