8 Lake Co. Workers Get $67K In Back Wages After State Investigation

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Eight workers will receive more than $67,000 in back wages after a state investigation found a contractor failed to follow Illinois' prevailing wage requirements on a Lake County public works project, state officials said.

The Illinois Department of Labor said Absolute Home Improvements & Cleaning Service failed to pay employees required fringe benefits and did not properly maintain or submit certified payroll records. The investigation resulted in $67,494.28 in recovered wages for the workers, along with $6,794.48 in penalties against the company.

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"Illinois workers deserve every dollar they earn on public construction projects," Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan said. "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."

Illinois law requires contractors and subcontractors working on publicly funded construction projects to pay workers the prevailing wage and fringe benefit rates established for the county where the work takes place, according to IDOL. Companies also are required to keep accurate certified payroll records documenting those payments.

The department's Wage Transparency and Construction Compliance Division investigates alleged violations and enforces the state's prevailing wage law on public works projects.

Workers who believe they have been underpaid on a public works project can file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Labor.