NEWS RELEASE: BOLI recovers $20,000 in wages on Pearl District park project

[Burr, Charlie]

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For Immediate Release
August 7, 2014
CONTACT:           Charlie Burr, BOLI, (971) 673-0788 or (503) 913-5407 mobile

BOLI recovers $20,000 in wages on Pearl District park project
Agency will now determine whether to seek additional fines and debarment for Green Thumb

PORTLAND, OR-The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries has secured more than $20,000 for ten workers not paid wages to which they were entitled, the agency announced today.

The overtime and prevailing wage violations stem from work performed by Salem contractor Green Thumb Landscaping on The Fields Neighborhood Park in Portland's Pearl District. Green Thumb Landscaping served as a subcontractor on the public works project.

During investigation, Green Thumb initially refused to provide investigators with documents necessary to determine the accuracy of the workers' claims. In response, the agency compelled Green Thumb to provide BOLI with the material, including payroll records and contact information for potentially affected employees, through subpoena.

The wages recovered represent the latest unlawful practice from the contracting firm. In total, BOLI has secured more than $70,000 in unpaid wages from Green Thumb Landscaping and Maintenance, Green Thumb Yard Maintenance Inc., Green Thumb LLC and Green Thumb and Maintenance Inc. for previous wage and hour violations.

Labor and Industries Commissioner Brad Avakian praised the work of agency investigators and urged other potentially affected employees to contact BOLI if they believe they are being denied fair wages.

"It's fundamentally unfair for a contractor to attempt to gain advantage by skirting Oregon law," said Labor Commissioner Avakian. "Any employee who believes he or she was not paid the wages they're owed should contact our agency. We will investigate potential wage violations and ensure that other businesses have an equal shot at bidding on public projects."

Employees can contact BOLI's Wage and Hour Division by calling (971) 673-0844 or emailing whdscreener at boli.state.or.us.

The agency will now review the findings and determine whether its Administrative Prosecution Unit will seek additional penalties or debarment, which could make the firm and its successors ineligible for public works contracts for up to three years.  Currently, there are more than 80 businesses on the ineligible list<http://www.oregon.gov/boli/WHD/PWR/docs/Debar_List.pdf>.
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The mission of the Bureau of Labor and Industries is to protect employment rights, advance employment opportunities, and protect access to housing and public places free from discrimination.


Charlie Burr
Communications Director
Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 1045
Portland, Oregon  97232
Tel:  971-673-0788
Cell: 503-913-5407

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