Unclaimed Prevailing Wage Awards Search
What is a Prevailing Wage Award?
The New York City Comptroller enforces State and local laws that require private sector contractors engaged in New York City public works projects or service contracts to pay no less than the prevailing wage or living wage to their employees. If you work for a City contractor on a construction site or a service contract, you may be entitled to receive prevailing wages or living wages.
If you were underpaid, the Comptroller’s office works to recoup the amount of the underpayment plus interest. Often, workers are unaware that the Comptroller’s office has collected money on their behalf.
How do I know if I am owed money?
Step 1: Type your first and last name
Step 2: Click the Search button. If there is a match on the name entered, it will appear on a new page with an accompanying address and instructions on next steps. If there are multiple matches, they will all be displayed.
Search for Award / Busque Pago
Tips for workers – Protect your rights
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Keep a daily diary of hours you worked, type of work you performed, address of jobsite, and wages you were paid.
Keep any documents provided by your employer, such as pay stubs or ID card.
If paid by check, make copies of pay checks before cashing or depositing, if possible.
Try to learn names of co-workers.
If possible, take photographs of the jobsite.
Take note if you are working on a public works project, such as a New York City government office building, public school, public library, park, street excavation, or subway station.
Prevailing Wage Facts
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In 2007, a New York State Supreme Court judge ruled that workers are entitled to prevailing wage protection when employed on public construction projects, regardless of their immigration status.
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In 2010 and 2011, the Comptroller’s Office collected more than $10.5 million in unpaid prevailing wages and benefits for workers and more than $525,000 in civil penalties – a record amount for the office.
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Since January 1, 2012, the Comptroller’s Office has collected another $1,540,129 in unpaid prevailing wages, benefits and civil penalties.
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In just one case, settled in February 2012, the Comptroller’s Office collected more than $1 million in unpaid prevailing wages and benefits for workers. (See story here). Slightly less than $630,000 remains unclaimed by workers.
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Unclaimed prevailing wage awards may be paid into the City treasury instead of to the workers if not claimed after six years.
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Public-work contractors and subcontractors must specify the applicable prevailing-wage rates of wage and trade classifications to their workers.
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Public-work contractors and subcontractors must provide a written statement with their employee paychecks at the beginning of every public-work project and once a year thereafter, informing workers of their right to contact the Office of the NYC Comptroller if the worker believes he/she did not receive the proper prevailing wage or supplements for his/her particular job classification.
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Workers must be provided a written statement informing them of their right to contact the Office of the NYC Comptroller if they believe they did not receive the proper prevailing wage.