SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has recovered more than $67,000 in unpaid wages for eight employees after an investigation found prevailing wage violations by Absolute Home Improvements & Cleaning Service on a public works project in Lake County.
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The investigation found the employer failed to pay required fringe benefit rates to employees and did not comply with certified payroll reporting requirements under the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. As a result of the investigation, IDOL recovered $67,494.28 in back wages for eight affected employees. The employer also paid $6,794.48 in penalties.
"Illinois workers deserve every dollar they earn on public construction projects," said Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan. "When contractors fail to meet their obligations under the Prevailing Wage Act, the Department will take action to recover unpaid wages and ensure a level playing field for employers who follow the law."
The Illinois Prevailing Wage Act requires contractors and subcontractors performing work on publicly funded construction projects to pay workers the prevailing wage and fringe benefit rates established for the county where the work is performed. Employers are also required to maintain and submit accurate certified payroll records demonstrating compliance with the law.
IDOL's Wage Transparency and Construction Compliance Division is responsible for enforcing the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act and investigating complaints involving wage violations on public works projects.
Workers who believe they have not been paid the prevailing wage on a public works project can file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Labor.
