First announced in November 2022, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development\u2019s Wage and Hour Division recently completed a strategic enforcement initiative involving the laundromat industry, which included a comprehensive analysis of industry practices and areas identified for \u201ccorrective action.\u201d<\/p>\n
In April 2023, the NJDOL announced the results of its first strategic enforcement investigation. NJDOL investigators visited 20 laundromat locations throughout New Jersey, with wage and hour violations being discovered at all but one store. The investigators further determined that more than $56,000 in wages were owed to employees at those respective businesses, and that many workers had not received sick leave they have lawfully accrued. In addition to the back wages, $143,000 in penalties and fees were assessed to employers based on the investigation findings.<\/p>\n
As a result, the NJDOL reached out to the Coin Laundry Association to ensure no workers are denied any of the earnings or benefits to which they\u2019re entitled under the state\u2019s labor laws.<\/p>\n
These laws include \u2013 but are not limited to \u2013 ensuring workers are:<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe all small businesses should adhere carefully to all state and federal labor laws and requirements,\u201d said Brian Wallace, president and CEO of the Coin Laundry Association. \u201cWe look forward to facilitating more education for our members with the aim of taking the best possible care of laundromat employees.\u201d<\/p>\n
The NJDOL asked CLA to share information and guidelines on how laundromat owners may ensure they are in full compliance. CLA is taking significant measures to share labor law requirements and best practices with laundromat owners. These include:<\/p>\n