The workshop equips contractors with actionable compliance strategies, reducing exposure to costly wage‑law violations amid heightened enforcement by the new Labor Commissioner.
New Jersey’s prevailing‑wage landscape has shifted dramatically after recent legislative amendments and a change in labor leadership. Contractors now face stricter reporting thresholds, expanded apprentice participation mandates, and a more aggressive audit posture from the Department of Labor. Understanding these nuances is essential not only for legal compliance but also for maintaining competitive bids on public‑works projects, where wage‑law adherence directly influences eligibility and reputation.
The Short Hills workshop provides a rare deep‑dive into these regulatory updates, blending theory with practical exercises. Participants will walk through certified payroll generation, benefit annualization calculations, and the documentation required to survive a Department of Labor investigation. By offering CLE, SHRM, and HRCI credit eligibility, the program also addresses professional development needs, making the $695 investment attractive for firms seeking both compliance assurance and credential maintenance. The limited‑attendance format ensures that each contractor can discuss company‑specific scenarios and receive tailored advice from Littler’s seasoned expert, Russell McEwan.
Beyond immediate compliance, the training supports long‑term strategic risk management. Firms that internalize robust wage‑law processes can avoid costly penalties, preserve profit margins, and strengthen relationships with government agencies. Moreover, demonstrating proactive compliance can be a differentiator in bid packages, signaling reliability to owners and subcontractors alike. As New Jersey continues to prioritize labor standards, staying ahead of prevailing‑wage requirements becomes a competitive advantage for contractors aiming to secure and retain public‑sector work.
Thursday, April 2, 2026 · 8:30 AM · 3:30 PM EDT · Hilton Short Hills, 41 John F. Kennedy Parkway, Short Hills, NJ
Change is in the air in the Garden State. Whether it’s recent amendments to the New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act or questions about enforcement under a newly appointed Commissioner of Labor, this in‑depth workshop is especially timely for contractors operating in the state’s public construction market. Join us for a full‑day, advanced program designed to equip registered New Jersey public‑works contractors with a comprehensive, practical understanding of prevailing‑wage compliance.
The session will be led by Russell McEwan of Littler, one of the state’s leading prevailing‑wage practitioners, and will deliver actionable guidance on statutory and regulatory requirements, current enforcement trends, and best practices under a new administration.
Key topics
Public works registration
Apprentice participation requirements
Worker orientation
Classification of work
Certified payroll reporting
Annualization of benefits
Subcontractor liability
Navigating Department of Labor audits, investigations, and citations
Attendance will be limited to maximize the opportunity for direct engagement and individualized discussion.
Schedule
Registration & Breakfast: 8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Program: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Lunch: 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. (provided)
Program: 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Q&A: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $695
Detailed instruction on applying New Jersey prevailing‑wage requirements to real‑world operational scenarios
Step‑by‑step demonstrations of documentation, certified payroll reporting, and audit‑readiness processes
Extended discussion and Q&A, allowing attendees to raise company‑specific concerns and receive tailored guidance
Practical tools, reference materials, and tangible takeaways to support long‑term internal compliance practices
Current insights into regulatory developments and enforcement priorities under the incoming administration
Credit opportunities: the program will be submitted for CLE, SHRM, and HRCI recertification credit—an excellent opportunity for professionals looking to meet annual or early‑year credit requirements
This intensive workshop provides practitioner‑level guidance with in‑depth exercises and implementation tools. Effective compliance practices may help reduce the risk of costly missteps; outcomes vary based on each organization’s circumstances.
SHRM and CLE certifications are pending.
Contact Ashley Bonilla at [email protected].
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