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$7.5M In Back Wages Paid To 865 Utility Workers Who Restored Power In NJ After Tropical Storm

The 865 utility workers who restored outages in New Jersey following Tropical Storm Isaias in August 2020 will be getting $7.5 million in back wages, state officials said.

Smith Avenue, Bergenfield following Hurricane Isaias.

Smith Avenue, Bergenfield following Hurricane Isaias.

Photo Credit: DAILY VOICE

NJDOL Division of Wage and Hour Compliance investigators found that workers deployed by Pike Electric Inc. of Mount Airy, N.C., were paid less than the rate required by the New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act during the recovery efforts.

According to NJ Advance Media, the storm left 25% of New Jersey residents without power and a wind gust of 109 mph was recorded off Long Beach Island.

Click here for Daily Voice's Isaias coverage in North Jersey.

Pike Electric cooperated fully throughout the investigation, working closely with NJDOL to ensure compliance and fairness. Under the department’s guidance, the company conducted a self-audit that identified nearly $7.5 million in back wages owed to 865 workers, the NJDOL said.

These back wages have since been paid directly to the affected workers, who came from as far away as Texas and Puerto Rico, among other states, to help New Jersey residents.

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