NEWS RELEASE: BOLI Final Order debars Sellwood Bridge contractor, imposes civil penalties

[Burr, Charlie]

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For Immediate Release
March 2, 2016
CONTACT: Charlie Burr, (971) 673-0788

BOLI Final Order debars Sellwood Bridge contractor, imposes civil penalties
Flagging firm and owner falsified records, failed to pay wages due

PORTLAND, OR-The Bureau of Labor and Industries has imposed more than $25,000 in civil penalties and made Tri-Star Flagging owner Evan Williams and additional business entities associated with him ineligible for public projects for three years, the agency announced today.

The violations occurred during construction work performed for the Sellwood Bridge replacement project.

The agency's Final Order<http://www.oregon.gov/boli/SiteAssets/pages/press/Final%20Order%2037-13%20approved%20by%20Deputy%20Commissioner.pdf> includes civil penalties of $9,491.34 that stem from failure to pay prevailing wage rates to 13 workers on a public project and an additional $16,000 assessed for 16 inaccurate and falsified payroll records.

Prior to the Final Order issued on Friday, there were 66 companies and individuals listed on Oregon's debarment list<http://www.oregon.gov/boli/whd/pwr/docs/debar_list.pdf> of individuals and employers ineligible for public contracts.

Previously, the agency recovered $104,000 in fringe benefit wages for 37 Tri-Star employees who worked as flaggers on the project.

"It's critical that our investigators have access to accurate records during their investigation so that they can determine whether a violation occurred," said Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian. "Today's action will hold owner Evan Williams accountable and ensure that more companies associated with him are blocked from public contracts with the state."

The order adds Portland Flagging, LLC and AD Traffic Control Services, LLC to the list of companies associated with Williams that are ineligible to receive payment on public works projects.

Last month, Labor Commissioner filed a commissioner's complaint against Williams and his companies that alleges retaliation, threats of physical violence, and other unlawful employment practices against employees who filed wage claims.

Deputy Commissioner Christie Hammond issued today's Final Order.

Workers can file a civil rights complaint if they believe that they are being retaliated against by contacting the Civil Rights Division at crdemail at boli.state.or.us<mailto:crdemail at boli.state.or.us> or by calling (971) 673-0764.

Visit www.oregon.gov/BOLI<http://www.oregon.gov/BOLI> for more information about all of BOLI's work to protect employment rights, advance employment opportunities, and protect access to housing and public accommodations free from discrimination.
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Charlie Burr
Communications Director
Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 1045
Portland, Oregon  97232
Tel:  971-673-0788

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