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Contractor License School – Long Beach & Van Nuys Locations

by Emma Walker โ€“ News Editor
written by Emma Walker โ€“ News Editor

West Los Angeles โคResidents Still Have Access to Top โ€Contractor Licensing Readiness Despite Local Office Closure

Contractors Licensing Schools (CSLS) โคhas consolidated its Southern California locations, resulting in the closure of its West Los Angeles facility after nearly โฃa decade at itsโข Santa Monica โขBlvd location.However, CSLS assures West โคLos Angeles-area residents that extensive in-school licenseโค examโ€Œ preparation, career development courses, and โฃbusiness services remain readilyโค available through its Long Beach and Van Nuys campuses.

this shift ensures continued access to crucial licensing resources โคfor aspiring contractors in the region. Obtaining a contractor’s license requires thorough preparation, and CSLS offers a range of options to suit โ€diverse learning โ€Œstyles. Beyondโฃ in-person classes, CSLS provides convenientโ€ self-studyโข programs, including an Exam Prep Home Study program, an Interactive Online Lawโ€Œ & โ€‹Business Program, Self-Guided Online Exam โฃprep Programs, Online Exam Study Material, and Practise Exams.

“we are confident that whether you choose an In-School or Self Study program,โฃ we can provide you wiht โฃthe best License Exam Preparation to help you get your Contractor’s License,”โ€‹ a CSLS representative stated.

Individuals seeking more information on available Contractors Licensing Classes, Contractorโ€Œ Career Development, or Contractorโ€Œ Business Services can click here or callโ€‹ (800) 409-8237.

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Contractor of ghost projects bags P1 billion in Bulacan flood control deals

by Emma Walker โ€“ News Editor
written by Emma Walker โ€“ News Editor

SYMS Construction Trading, tagged as the contractor behind several ghost projects in Bulacan province, has bagged a total of 16 flood control projects worth about P1 billion, records from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) showed.

Project records obtained by The Manila Times showed that of the 16 contracts, SYMS had 14 solo contracts and shared two with Wawao Builders.

The same records showed that 12 of the projects were marked as completed in 2024, three were allegedly finished in 2023 and one was done in 2022.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with Transport Secretary Vince Dizon, Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando and Bulusan Barangay Captain Danilo Marin during the inspection of the anti-flood dike along Pampanga River and a flood mitigation structure in Barangay Bulusan, Calumpit, Bulacan. PHOTOS BY REVOLI CORTEZ AND MARK BALMORES/PPA POOL

The contracts were Construction of Flood Control Project Control Structure along Angat River, Barangay Pinagtulayan, Norzaragay, Bulacan (P48,249,967.43); Construction of Revetment at Santa Elena-San Pedro along Angat River, Hagonoy, Bulacan (P38,599,1237.21); Construction of Revetment at Carillo-Abulalas along Angat River at Hagonoy, Bulacan, (P38,599,279.72); Construction of Reinforced Concrete Slope Revetment in Barangay Tikay, Malolos City, Bulacan (P67,549,811.86); Construction of Reinforced Concrete Slope Revetment in Barangay Canalate, Malolos City, Bulacan (P62,724,600); Construction of Reinforced Concrete Slope Revetment in Barangay Bulihan, Malolos City, Bulacan (P62,724,643.44); Construction of Reinforced Concrete Flood Control Structure along Angat River, San Pedro Section, Bustos, Bulacan (P77,199087.48); Construction of Reinforce Concrete Flood Control Structure, Barangay Caliligawan, Malolos City, Bulacan (72,366,243.57); Construction of Flood Control Structure, Barangay Atlag, Malolos City, Bulacan (P72,374,895.37); Construction of Reinforce Concrete Flood Control Structure, Barangay Atlag, Malolos City, Bulacan (P72,374,953.65); Construction of Reinforced Concrete Flood Control Structure, Barangay Sagrada Familia (Purok 4 to Purok 5), Hagonoy, Bulacan (P67,549,901.28); Construction of Reinforced Concrete Flood Control Structure, Barangay Santa Monica (Purok 6 to Purok 7), Hagonoy, Bulacan (P67,549,830.35); Construction of Reinforced Concrete Slope at Sitio Pulo, San Roque, Paombong, Bulacan, (P14,847,428.18); Construction of Flood Mitigation Structure Structure, Barangay San Jose, Calumpit Bulacan (P24,499,119.13); Construction of River Control Project along Bocaue River, Igulot Section (Tributary), Sta. 05t280 to Sta. 05t610, Bocaue, Bulacan (P96,499,997.13); and Construction of Flood Control Structure including Outfall along Barangay Virgen Delos Flores, Santa Barbara and Tiaong, Baliuag, Bulacan (P47,519,329.41).

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Many of the projects have almost similar amounts, having only a difference of several hundreds or thousands of pesos.

The two projects that were jointly implemented by SYMS and Wawao were: Construction of River Control Project along Bocaue River, Igulot Section (Tributary), Sta. 05t280 to Sta. 05t610, Bocaue, Bulacan (P96,499,997.13), completed in 2023 and Construction of Flood Control Structure including Outfall along Barangay Virgen Delos Flores, Santa Barbara and Tiaong, Baliuag, Bulacan (P47,519,329.41), completed in 2022.

Contractor of ghost projects bags P1 billion in Bulacan flood control deals

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that ‘not a single hollow block’ was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An ‘extremely’ disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that 'not a single hollow block' was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An 'extremely' disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that ‘not a single hollow block’ was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An ‘extremely’ disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that 'not a single hollow block' was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An 'extremely' disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that ‘not a single hollow block’ was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An ‘extremely’ disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that 'not a single hollow block' was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An 'extremely' disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that ‘not a single hollow block’ was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An ‘extremely’ disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that 'not a single hollow block' was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An 'extremely' disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that ‘not a single hollow block’ was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An ‘extremely’ disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that 'not a single hollow block' was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An 'extremely' disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that ‘not a single hollow block’ was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An ‘extremely’ disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that 'not a single hollow block' was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An 'extremely' disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that ‘not a single hollow block’ was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An ‘extremely’ disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that 'not a single hollow block' was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An 'extremely' disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that ‘not a single hollow block’ was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An ‘extremely’ disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that 'not a single hollow block' was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An 'extremely' disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that ‘not a single hollow block’ was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An ‘extremely’ disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that 'not a single hollow block' was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An 'extremely' disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that ‘not a single hollow block’ was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An ‘extremely’ disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that 'not a single hollow block' was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An 'extremely' disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that ‘not a single hollow block’ was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An ‘extremely’ disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that 'not a single hollow block' was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An 'extremely' disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that ‘not a single hollow block’ was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An ‘extremely’ disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that 'not a single hollow block' was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An 'extremely' disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that ‘not a single hollow block’ was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An ‘extremely’ disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that 'not a single hollow block' was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An 'extremely' disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that ‘not a single hollow block’ was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An ‘extremely’ disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that 'not a single hollow block' was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An 'extremely' disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that ‘not a single hollow block’ was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An ‘extremely’ disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that 'not a single hollow block' was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An 'extremely' disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that ‘not a single hollow block’ was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An ‘extremely’ disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that 'not a single hollow block' was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An 'extremely' disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that ‘not a single hollow block’ was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An ‘extremely’ disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that 'not a single hollow block' was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An 'extremely' disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that ‘not a single hollow block’ was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An ‘extremely’ disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that 'not a single hollow block' was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An 'extremely' disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits what was reported as a completed riverwall project in Baliuag, Bulacan, on Aug. 20, 2025, only to find out that ‘not a single hollow block’ was put in place. The project, which was supposed to have started in February was worth around P55 million, according to government records and was awarded to contractor, Syms Construction Trading. An ‘extremely’ disappointed president threatened to file economic sabotage charges against erring contractors. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

Of the 14 projects solely implemented by SYMS, two were reportedly completed in 2023, namely: Construction of Reinforced Concrete Slope at Sitio Pulo, San Roque, Paombong, Bulacan, (P14,847,428.18) and Construction of Flood Mitigation Structure Structure, Barangay San Jose, Calumpit Bulacan (P24,499,119.13), The other 12 were completed in 2024.

Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan said he is leaving his fate to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. amid calls for his suspension or resignation as an offshoot of the more than P500 billion worth of anomalous flood control projects that were implemented from 2022 to 2025.

During a Senate investigation, Bonoan confirmed there were ghost flood control projects in Bulacan.

At the hearing, Bonoan said he has removed the officials of district engineering offices in Bulacan and other areas involved in alleged anomalous flood control projects. The DPWH regional office, for the meantime, would take over the function of the district offices where the officials were removed, he added.

Bonoan said that they were fully documenting everything, and if results of the investigation would prove the involvement of some public works officials, cases would be filed against them.

The DPWH chief said, however, that not all of the flood control projects were started under the Marcos administration.

โ€œSome of the projects on the list were started by the past administration and were completed in 2022 and 2023. The implementing budget for this administration started in 2023 and we included them in our report because that was asked from us,โ€ Bonoan said.

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Marcos wants contractor to explain unfinished Bulacan flood control project

by Emma Walker โ€“ News Editor
written by Emma Walker โ€“ News Editor

Okay, here’s a breakdown of the data contained within theโ€Œ provided HTML snippet, focusing โ€Œon โฃthe image details and โ€‹captions:

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The code snippet represents a gallery of โ€‹images from โ€an article โ€‹on The Manila Times website. Each image is contained within a div with theโข class “item”. Each image has a link () that, when clicked, likely opens a larger version of the image in a lightbox (using โ€‹the “fancybox”โ€‹ library).

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“president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with Transport Secretary Vince Dizon, Bulacan gov. Daniel Fernando and Bulusan Barangay Captain danilo Marin during the inspection of the anti-flood dike along Pampanga Riverโ€Œ and โ€Œa flood mitigation structure in Barangay Bulusan, Calumpit, bulacan. PHOTOS BY REVOLI CORTEZ โขAND โขMARK BALMORES/PPA POOL”

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 Context: the images depict President Marcos โขJr.inspecting flood control infrastructure in Bulacan, Philippines.
* โ€Œ Photo Credit: The photos are credited to Revoli Cortez and โฃMarkโฃ Balmores of theโข PPA Pool (Presidential โ€‹photographers Association).

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Las Vegas Drywall Contractor Ordered to Pay $824K in Wage Theft

by David Harrison โ€“ Chief Editor
written by David Harrison โ€“ Chief Editor

Las Vegas Contractor Spectrum Construction Fined for Overtime Violations, $824K Recovered for Workers

Table of Contents

Las Vegas-based Spectrum Construction LLC, a drywall contractor, has been ordered to pay $824,276 in back wages and damages to 680 employees after a U.S. Department of Labor investigation revealed the company denied proper overtime compensation. The Wage and Hour Division found that Spectrum Construction violated the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) by failing to pay time-and-one-half to piece-rate and hourly workers for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek.

Details of the Overtime Violations

The investigation revealed that Spectrum Construction paid piece rates without including an overtime premium for hours exceeding 40. Furthermore,the company banked overtime hours for hourly painters,compensating them later with days off paid at straight time or,in some instances,not compensating them at all. This practice is a direct violation of the FLSA,which mandates overtime pay for non-exempt employees,irrespective of whether they are paid hourly or on a piece-rate basis.

Did You Know? The construction industry has one of the highest rates of wage and hour violations, frequently enough involving misclassification of employees and failure to pay prevailing wages on goverment projects.

Penalties and Scope of operations

In addition to the back wages and damages, the Department of Labor assessed Spectrum Construction $10,060 in civil money penalties due to the willful nature of the violations. Spectrum Construction operates as a contractor specializing in drywall, metal stud framing, acoustical installation, and painting for both residential and commercial buildings throughout Nevada.

Understanding the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

The FLSA sets guidelines for minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards affecting full-time and part-time workers in the private sector and in Federal, State, and local governments. According to the Department of Labor, in 2023, the Wage and Hour Division recovered over $268 million in back wages for employees due to FLSA violations [1].

Violation Details Impact
Overtime Pay Denial Failure to pay time-and-one-half for hours over 40 $824,276 in back wages and damages
Piece-Rate Miscalculation No overtime premium included in piece-rate payments Undercompensated workers for extra hours
Banked Overtime Hours Compensating with straight-time days off or no pay Violation of FLSA overtime requirements
Civil Penalties Assessed for willful violations $10,060 in penalties

The Importance of Compliance for Contractors

Compliance with labor laws is crucial for contractors to maintain ethical business practices and avoid legal repercussions. non-compliance can lead to critically important financial penalties,damage to reputation,and potential legal action. Resources like the Small Business Administration (SBA) offer guidance on labor law compliance for small businesses [2].

Pro Tip: Contractors shoudl regularly review their payroll practices and consult with legal professionals to ensure they are in full compliance with all applicable labor laws.

Evergreen Insights: The Broader Context of Wage Violations

Wage theft and overtime violations are persistent issues across various industries, particularly in sectors with a high proportion of hourly workers.The construction industry, known for its demanding schedules and project-based employment, is especially vulnerable. Factors contributing to these violations include a lack of awareness of labor laws, intentional exploitation, and complex payment structures.

The Economic Policy Institute estimates that wage theft costs workers billions of dollars each year, exceeding losses from other forms of property crime [3]. Increased enforcement efforts by the Department of Labor and greater awareness among workers are essential to combatting these practices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Overtime Pay

What is considered overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act?
Overtime is defined as any hours worked beyond 40 in a single workweek. Employees covered by the FLSA are entitled to overtime pay at a rate of not less than one and one-half times their regular rate of pay.
Who is eligible for overtime pay?
Most employees are eligible for overtime pay, but there are some exemptions, such as certain executive, administrative, and professional employees. These exemptions are narrowly defined and depend on specific job duties and salary levels.
what should I do if I believe my employer is not paying me overtime correctly?
If you believe you are not being paid overtime correctly, you should first discuss the issue with your employer. If the issue is not resolved,you can file a complaint with the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of labor.
Can an employer require employees to work overtime?
Yes, in most cases, an employer can require employees to work overtime, but they must compensate them at the legally required overtime rate.
Are there any special rules for overtime pay in the construction industry?
While the general overtime rules apply to the construction industry, there may be specific regulations related to prevailing wages on government-funded projects. Contractors should ensure they are complying with all applicable federal and state laws.

Do you think stricter enforcement of labor laws is needed? What steps can workers take to protect their rights? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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