A Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry investigation resulted in the recovery of back wages and damages for construction workers after multiple firms failed to pay required wages for hours worked. The case, one of the largest of its kind for the agency, found violations across multiple projects and led to consent orders requiring payment to affected workers. The agencies involved emphasized that both contractors and subcontractors share responsibility for proper wage payment, reinforcing accountability across all levels of a project. One firm disputed the findings, stating the workers were employed by a subcontractor, but agreed to resolve the matter

The U.S. Department of Labor has released new guidance aimed at improving flexibility, reducing administrative burdens, and increasing transparency across the Registered Apprenticeship system. Issued by the Department�s Employment and Training Administration (ETA), the guidance is intended to help apprenticeship program sponsors more easily design, register, and manage programs that meet their workforce needs. The guidance clarifies how Registered Apprenticeship programs are structured and administered across states, outlines the roles of state apprenticeship agencies and councils, and standardizes how apprenticeship completion rates are determined. ETA�s Office of Apprenticeship also announced a commitment to issuing final program registration decisions within 30

The U.S. Department of Labor�s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) announced that it recovered more than $259 million in back wages for nearly 177,000 workers during fiscal year 2025�an average of $1,465 per employee. This marks the agency�s highest annual back?wage recovery since 2019, highlighting its continued commitment to enforcing federal wage?and?hour protections and supporting a fair competitive environment for employers. Alongside enforcement results, WHD also emphasized its expanded compliance?assistance initiatives designed to help employers better understand and meet their obligations. Key Updates include: Read more: U.S. Department of Labor � Wage and Hour Division news release (January 8, 2026)

The U.S. Department of Labor�s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has issued six new opinion letters offering additional clarity on how federal requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) apply to real?world workplace scenarios. The topics tackled by these new opinion letters include: Read more: US Department of Labor issues 6 opinion letters addressing employee classification, bonuses, overtime exemptions, family medical leave | U.S. Department of Labor . . These materials are being issued with the understanding that LCPtracker is not engaged in rendering legal or other professional services and is

An administrative law judge has ordered three New Jersey-based federal construction contractors to pay $429,846 in back wages and fringe benefits to 12 workers following a U.S. Department of Labor investigation. The contractors were found to have violated the Davis-Bacon Act by paying carpenters significantly below the required prevailing wage�averaging $32/hour instead of the mandated $59.08 to $68.23/hour, depending on the project and timeframe. The violations occurred during work on construction and renovation projects for Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in Lyons and East Orange. The judge also determined that one subcontractor intentionally falsified payroll records to conceal underpayments.

Ignite 2025�s keynote featured a powerful message from Mark Douglas, CEO of LCPtracker, who shared his perspective on the deeper purpose behind Davis-Bacon. In this short video, he walks through a real-world comparison using $200 billion in actual project data�one set with prevailing wages and one without. The findings challenge assumptions about cost and shine a light on the lasting impact wage standards have on workers, families, and communities. It�s a reminder that Davis-Bacon isn�t just about building infrastructure, it�s about building opportunity. . . These materials are being issued with the understanding that LCPtracker is not engaged in rendering

An administrative law judge has ordered three New Jersey-based federal construction contractors to pay $429,846 in back wages and fringe benefits to 12 workers following a U.S. Department of Labor investigation. The contractors were found to have violated the Davis-Bacon Act by paying carpenters significantly below the required prevailing wage�averaging $32/hour instead of the mandated $59.08 to $68.23/hour, depending on the project and timeframe. The violations occurred during work on construction and renovation projects for Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in Lyons and East Orange. The judge also determined that one subcontractor intentionally falsified payroll records to conceal underpayments.

The Department of Labor has introduced a suite of voluntary self-audit programs to help employers, unions, and pension plans proactively assess and improve compliance with federal labor laws. These initiatives aim to strengthen worker protections while reducing the risk of formal investigations or litigation. The programs offer practical tools for identifying and correcting potential violations early. Participating agencies include EBSA, MSHA, OSHA, OLMS, VETS, and WHD, each offering tailored resources such as fiduciary correction, safety consultations, union compliance partnerships, and employment rights training. These efforts reflect the Department�s commitment to collaborative compliance and fair treatment for both workers and employers.

New York City Comptroller announced that nearly 1,600 workers are owed more than $4 million in unclaimed prevailing wage settlements related to City-funded projects. The Comptroller�s Bureau of Labor Law recovered these funds through investigations into companies that failed to pay proper wages, regardless of the workers� immigration status or current residence. Workers who believe they may be owed wages are encouraged to check the Comptroller�s list and claim what they�ve earned. Read More: US Department of Labor to end practice of seeking liquidated damages in Wage and Hour investigations | U.S. Department of Labor . . These materials are

The U.S. Department of Labor announced nearly $84 million in grants awarded to all 50 states and territories to strengthen and expand Registered Apprenticeship programs. This investment supports the national goal of reaching 1 million active apprentices by increasing program capacity, encouraging innovation, and lowering barriers for employers and participants in both traditional fields�like construction and manufacturing�and emerging industries such as AI, advanced manufacturing, and technology. The funding, part of the State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula grants, will help states enhance access, improve transparency, and meet unique workforce demands while supporting several presidential initiatives to grow high-skill, high-wage job opportunities. Click