On June 23, 2026, the New York Court of Appeals ruled that public works contractors in New York must pay prevailing wages even when the contract is silent on that matter, and that parties cannot shorten the statute of limitations period governing claims for prevailing wages guaranteed by New York Labor Law § 220.
Quick Hits
The New York Court of Appeals clarified that, pursuant to New York Labor Law § 220, contractors on public projects in New York must pay prevailing wages even if the contract does not promise to pay prevailing wages.
The court found that any agreement in a public works contract to shorten the statute of limitations governing third-party claims for prevailing wages is not enforceable.
Prevailing wages may apply to work performed on state-funded projects and federally funded projects.
Background on the Case
In this case, a company employed technicians who install, maintain, inspect, test, repair, and replace fire alarms, fire sprinklers, and security system… Read the complete article here...
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