Bureau of Labor Law

The Comptroller’s Bureau of Labor Law enforces New York State Labor Law §220 and 230 and New York City Administrative Code §6-109. These laws require private sector contractors engaged in public work projects in the City of New York to pay no less than the prevailing wage to their employees for work covered by the statutes, as determined by this bureau.

Under the laws, the Comptroller's Office is required to issue civil service determinations in cases where there is a prevailing wage dispute. The Office also issues prevailing wage schedules, or wage rates, for various types of trades and occupations.  

The Bureau of Labor Law attempts to recover money for workers who were not paid the appropriate wages. Workers can get the amount of the underpayment plus interest. In addition, a civil penalty, up to 25% of the total violation may be imposed on violators. Depending on the circumstances, the contractor may be barred from bidding on or being given any public work within the state of New York for five years.

If the Comptroller's Office discovers that contractors or their subcontractors submitted fraudulent payroll reports or were allegedly involved in criminal activity, their cases are referred to the District Attorney.

The Office forwards all final prevailing wage case determinations to the Internal Revenue Services.

• To file a Prevailing Wage claim, print, fill out and return this form. 
• To have a claim form mailed to you, or if you have any questions, use the e-mail address on the left side bar or call 212-669-4443.  
• You can also pick up a form from our office, located at the address on our contact page
• All complaints must be signed by the complainant and notarized