On January 4, 2022, the Construction Wage Theft Law went into effect, which makes contractors liable for subcontractors’ unpaid wages and benefit claims. In addition, contractors can be liable for liquidated damages, penalties, and attorneys’ fees.  This new law has the potential to expose contractors to considerable liability, as it applies to subcontractors of any tier. 

This presentation will explore the rights and remedies available under this new law.  This presentation also will explore the ways in which contractors can protect themselves from liability.  Such protections can come in the form of indemnification agreements, payment bond requirements, and preemptive auditing of subcontractor payroll practices.  With these protections, however, comes increased project costs and questions over who should bear those costs. Join us for a discussion on these issues, and more.        

Daniel E. Sarzynski, Esq.
Rupp Baase Pfalzgraf Cunningham LLC

Dan Sarzynski is a partner with the law firm Rupp Baase Pfalzgraf Cunningham LLC.  Dan focuses his practice on construction law, assisting clients with contract negotiations, mechanic’s liens, bond claims, bid disputes, mediation, arbitration, and litigation.  Dan is active in the construction industry.  He is a past president and current board member of the CFMA Niagara Frontier Chapter; secretary/treasurer of the board of governors of the Construction Exchange of Buffalo & WNY; and counsel to the Subcontractors Association of WNY.  Dan was also the 2021 recipient of the Joe Quigley Memorial Award for Outstanding Chapter Participation and Activity.  This award is given by the National Association of CFMA to one recipient amongst all the CFMA Chapters nationally.

The Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org