Workers Recover $1.28 Million in Wage Enforcement Action with Support from the Employment Law Clinic

Twenty-six construction workers have recovered $1.28 million in back wages and liquidated damages following an investigation by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) into wage violations on multiple construction projects, including the Viking Lakes development in Eagan.

DLI found that workers were denied overtime pay and other earned wages by Property Maintenance & Construction LLC, Property Maintenance and Construction Inc. (PMC), and Advantage Construction Inc. The recovery represents the largest wage and hour enforcement action in DLI history.

The University of Minnesota Law School Employment Law Clinic partnered with DLI to provide independent legal representation to affected workers. Student attorneys represented many of the workers during depositions conducted by counsel for the contractors, preparing clients for testimony and advocating on their behalf throughout the process.

Stephen Premo, co-adjunct professor with the Employment Law Clinic, issued the following statement:

“The Employment Law Clinic was proud to support DLI’s enforcement efforts and represent workers who otherwise would not have access to counsel. Depositions are inherently high-pressure proceedings, particularly for individuals unfamiliar with the legal system. Our student attorneys played a critical role in preparing and defending their clients, ensuring their voices were heard and their rights protected.

This result reflects not only effective enforcement by DLI, but also the courage of the workers who came forward to assert their rights.”