SALINE COUNTY — The Illinois Department of Labor has recovered more than $85,000 in unpaid wages owed to workers on a solar panel project in Saline County, sending a stern warning to public contractors violating wage laws.
State Labor Officials Confront Wage Theft on Solar Project
Seventeen workers were denied fair pay while working for D&D Electric, LLC, a Harrisburg-based contractor. Following an investigation, the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) confirmed that the company failed to properly classify workers, which led to losses in overtime pay and fringe benefits.
According to an official press release from the State of Illinois, these violations occurred on a publicly funded solar installation, requiring compliance with Illinois’ Prevailing Wage Act.
“Illinois law requires that employees on publicly funded projects be paid a fair wage for their skilled work,” said Jane Flanagan, Director of IDOL. “Our actions reflect IDOL’s commitment to enforcing the law and holding violators accountable.”
$17,000 In Additional Penalties Collected
In addition to the recovered wages, the department imposed over $17,000 in financial penalties on D&D Electric, highlighting its zero-tolerance stance on non-compliance.
The Prevailing Wage Act mandates that contractors and subcontractors on state-funded jobs must pay wages equal to the local standards for similar work — including cash compensation and fringe benefits.
Solar Industry Faces Heightened Oversight Under CEJA
This enforcement effort comes amid Illinois’ push toward clean energy development, backed by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). Under CEJA, renewable energy projects incentivized by the Illinois Power Agency are legally required to follow prevailing wage rules.
“As clean energy jobs grow, our labor protections must grow with them,” IDOL emphasized in the statement.
Workers Encouraged To Report Violations
The IDOL is encouraging any laborers who suspect wage theft to file complaints online or call (312) 793-2800 to report potential violations.
For more information, visit the Illinois Department of Labor’s official release.
How do you think Illinois should continue enforcing wage laws in the growing solar industry? Share your thoughts in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
