Prevailing Wage Complaints and Violations

CAUSE FOR COMPLAINT

Complaints can be made against contractors and subcontractors for the following alleged violations:

Incorrect amount or no payment received for:
- Straight time
- Overtime
- Sunday or holiday
Improper classification
- If a contractor or subcontractor underpays a worker, this is known as a misclassification. The contractor or subcontractor must pay the affected employee the full amount of wages due under the prevailing wage law. If a contractor or subcontractor misclassifies a worker, the County will assess liquidated damages of $20 per day for each day the worker is not paid the proper prevailing wage for his or her work classification.
Retaliation
- An employer cannot terminate a worker for filing a complaint. The law specifically states that a contractor or subcontractor must not discharge or otherwise retaliate against an employee for asserting any right under the law or for filing a complaint of a violation. In the event that a contractor discharges or otherwise retaliates against an employee for asserting any rights under the law or for filing a complaint of a violation, the aggrieved employee may file a complaint.
Local hiring requirement violation

To file a complaint, complete the Prevailing Wage Law Complaint Form. The complaint form must be completed, signed and emailed to the Prevailing Wage Administrator at prevailingwage@baltimorecountymd.gov. The County only pursues claims that have been substantiated.

The Prevailing Wage and Local Hire unit may perform random or regular audits and investigate any complaint of a violation of the prevailing wage law.