NEWS RELEASE: Avakian helps recover $113,000 in unpaid wages for workers on Portland reservoir project

[Burr, Charlie]

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Press Release
For Immediate Release
April 16, 2013, 2013
CONTACT: Charlie Burr, (971) 673-0788

Avakian helps recover $113,000 in unpaid wages for workers on Portland reservoir project
Powell Butte Reservoir subcontractor ineligible for public projects for five years

Portland, OR-The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries has secured more than $113,000 in unpaid wages from a subcontractor working on a Powell Butte Reservoir construction project for the City of Portland's Water Bureau.

A worker with subcontractor Affordable Safe and Professional Flagging, LLC (ASAP) filed the initial wage complaint with the Bureau of Labor and Industries on December 12, 2012. In total, the subcontracting firm denied 36 employees fair compensation on the Powell Butte Reservoir project at 15800, 16190 and 16198 SE Powell Blvd.

Commissioner Avakian praised the efforts of the agency to investigate and prosecute the company.

"Oregon workers deserve protection from companies that deny them fair wages," said Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian. "Strong enforcement of wage protection laws helps workers and ensures a level playing field for the businesses that follow the rules and honor their commitments."

Workers with ASAP performed flagging for traffic control, among the most dangerous jobs on a construction site.

ASAP's work on the project spanned December 2011 to January 18, 2013, when the prime contractor, SSC Construction, terminated the contract. Timothy Covington Sr. is listed as ASAP's Registered Agent, manager and principal.

Previously, the Bureau of Labor and Industries secured debarment of ASAP Flagging and Traffic Control, Inc., Affordable, Safe and Professional Flagging, LLC., and Timothy Covington, placing the company and principal on its list of contractors ineligible for any future contract or subcontract with Oregon public works projects for a period of five years (ending on Sept. 16, 2017).

In addition, the Bureau of Labor and Industries imposed civil penalties of $86,000 against ASAP Flagging for prevailing wage and certification violations. Penalties stem from 52 prevailing wage violations (at $1000 per violation) at several Oregon projects: OR 217: Sunset Highway - TV Highway Section, I-405 Fremont Bridge - Marquam Bridge, I-84: Right Turn Lane at 257th Street, and North Bank Road & Schooner Creek Road. The company also failed to file certified statements on the projects for 34 violations at $1,000 per infraction.

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Charlie Burr
Communications Director
Bureau of Labor and Industries
800 NE Oregon St., Ste. 1045
Portland, OR 97232-2180
(971) 673-0788 wk.
(503) 913-5407 cell.

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