Illinois Department of Labor Recovers More Than $90,000 for Workers on Winnebago County Solar Project

Investigation finds prevailing wage violations affecting 27 laborers and electricians

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has recovered more than $110,000 following an investigation into prevailing wage violations on a solar energy project in Winnebago County.

The investigation found that Premise, Inc. failed to pay the required prevailing wage rates to laborers and electricians performing work on the project near Rockford. As a result, the company paid $91,991.60 in back wages to 27 affected workers and $18,398.32 in statutory penalties to the Illinois Department of Labor.

"Workers on publicly funded construction projects deserve every dollar they have earned under Illinois law," said Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan. "The Prevailing Wage Act ensures that contractors compete fairly while protecting workers from being underpaid. IDOL will continue to investigate violations and hold employers accountable when they fail to meet their legal obligations."

The Illinois Prevailing Wage Act requires contractors and subcontractors performing work on public works projects to pay workers on these projects the hourly cash wage and benefit amount surveyed and established for their trade and the county where the work is performed. These minimum requirements help ensure fair compensation, promote a level playing field for contractors, and support local economies.

IDOL's investigation determined that the affected laborers and electricians were paid less than the prevailing wage rates required for work performed in Winnebago County. Following the Department's findings, Premise, Inc. paid the full amount of back wages owed to the affected workers, along with the applicable statutory penalties.

The Illinois Department of Labor enforces the state's Prevailing Wage Act through investigations of complaints and proactive compliance efforts to ensure workers receive the wages and benefits required by law.

Workers who believe they have not been paid the proper prevailing wage on a public works project may file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Labor.