At a Sacramento County hearing, the Nor Cal Carpenters Union warned officials about Bobo Construction’s pattern of false disclosures, wage violations, and project delays. After other agencies removed Bobo from prequalified bidder lists over similar concerns, the union is urging the county to reevaluate the company’s status on public works projects.

Behind the immaculate finish of Santa Clara’s $45 million Sunrise Senior Living Center lies a story of alleged exploitation. Prosecutors say the small crew who built it were denied overtime pay, breaks, and even valid paychecks. Now, their employer—Perfection Installation Corp.—and its president face felony charges of wage theft, insurance fraud, and grand theft, in a case investigators say exposes the real cost of cutting corners in construction.

New bills at the Massachusetts State House would give the attorney general stronger tools to crack down on wage theft. But developers, contractors, and business groups are pushing back.

A whistleblower claims workers were forced to choose between unpaid overtime or being sent home.

Fredy Arellano, a former superintendent for a Baltimore construction company, pleaded guilty to a wage theft scheme that cheated workers on major University of Maryland projects. Prosecutors say Arellano pocketed more than $63,000 by falsifying payroll records. He was sentenced to 90 days of home detention, probation, and ordered to repay the stolen wages.

Visalia construction CEO Joey Wayne Mackey was arrested on federal charges alleging he fraudulently secured over $4 million in COVID-19 relief funds. Prosecutors say he funneled the money through fake payrolls—including to his children—before buying office parks, apartments, and luxury assets. He faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

A St. Paul roofing company owner and family members face felony charges after allegedly stealing $118,000 in wages from workers on a publicly funded housing project. Prosecutors say the case—one of Minnesota’s first under its 2019 wage theft law—could expand to cover even more workers and millions in revenue fraud.

Colorado’s new wage‑theft law, HB 1001, broadens enforcement, doubles claim limits, raises penalties for misclassification, and strengthens anti‑retaliation protections. 

Construction firm owner Anthony Martucci pleaded guilty to wage theft during emergency repairs at 642 E. 14th St., repaid $36K in restitution, and accepted a 3-year NYC contract ban....

The Oregon Legislature approved a bill that makes contractors and property owners liable when a subcontractor doesn’t pay its employees.