Historic $3.75M Workers’ Rights Settlement Benefits Over 1,200 D.C. Construction Workers

Over 1,200 construction workers in Washington D.C. are set to receive restitution as part of a historic $3.75 million settlement, the largest of its kind in the District’s history. This settlement was announced by the D.C. Attorney General’s office and aims to compensate workers for lost wages and sick leave. The construction firm involved, which has worked on over 200 projects in the area, agreed to the payout to address claims of worker misclassification and wage violations.

The lawsuit, filed in 2022, alleged that the firm and its general contractor misclassified workers as independent contractors to avoid paying appropriate wages and benefits, including sick leave. While the companies denied any wrongdoing, they have agreed to pay back wages, civil penalties, and attorney fees as part of the settlement. The attorney general’s office emphasized that this settlement reflects their commitment to holding companies accountable for exploiting workers.

In addition to the financial compensation, the firms involved have agreed to enhance oversight of their labor practices. Measures include ensuring proper worker classification, improving payroll monitoring, and providing clear communication channels for workers to report wage violations. This case is part of a broader effort by the D.C. Attorney General’s office to enforce wage laws and combat worker exploitation in various industries, including construction, retail, and healthcare.