Department of Labor launches online contractor, subcontractor registry
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — The New York State Department of Labor (DOL) announced a new requirement for contractors and subcontractors. Starting December 30, any who are bidding or starting work on certain public and private projects have to register with the DOL.
The registration fee is $200, discounted to $100 for certified minority- or women-owned businesses. They also require electronic applications by credit card, so there's another $1.97 processing fee. DOL can issue stop-work orders or levy fines of up to $1,000 for failing to register.
The registry is supposed to ensure that everyone is following wage and labor law. Applications open December 29.
In a written statement, DOL Commissioner Roberta Reardon said that the new contractor registry "provides public funding accountability that will benefit law-abiding contractors and subcontractors while cutting off those who seek to exploit workers.”
The new law applies to contractors and subcontractors working on public construction and private projects receiving public subsidies, or any related work covered by Article 8 of New York's Labor Law. This includes:
- Publicly funded projects
- Renewable energy systems
- Broadband infrastructure
- Climate risk and energy transition
- Roadway excavations
After December 30, any contractor has to register before submitting bids or starting work, and contractors have to make sure that their subcontractors have registered before work begins. To register, they have to apply online through DOL’s Management System for Protecting Worker Rights, featuring a new Contractor Registry portal. To apply, you'll need:
- Business name and address
- Contact details
- Ownership and corporate officer information
- Tax identification and unemployment insurance numbers
- Proof of workers’ compensation coverage
- History of wage or labor law violations
DOL warned that processing can take up to a month, so register early and accurately to prevent delays. A Certificate of Registration, required for work to proceed, is valid for two years and have to be renewed 90 days before it expires.
Registered contractor data will also be publicly available on New York’s Open Data website starting December 30. That puts a contractor's history of following labor law—or not—just a few clicks away.
DOL said they'll keep the registry updated. Registered contractors will have to maintain accurate information and reregister on an ongoing basis.