Hawbaker allegedly violated the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act and the Davis-Bacon Act, which seek to protect workers by ensuring all contractors working on state or federally funded jobs pay the same wage rates, determined by state and federal agencies. Contractors can satisfy a portion of the required wage by providing “fringe benefits” such as healthcare and retirement contributions.
After a three-year investigation, Hawbaker pleaded to four felony counts of wage theft from its workers. The no contest plea means the defendant does not plead guilty, but accepts conviction or sentencing as if it did.
