Bayville Italian Market Didn't Pay Wages, Violated Laws: NJDOL

BERKELEY, NJ — A popular Italian market in Bayville has been shut down for violating labor laws, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development's (NJDOL) Division of Wage and Hour Compliance said.

Cucina Fresca, located at 791 Atlantic City Blvd., was issued a stop-work order on Feb. 14.

The Italian market's violations include unpaid wages, failure to pay minimum wage, record keeping and Earned Sick Leave violations and obstruction/hindering of the investigation, NJDOL said. Two workers are affected.

Cucina Fresca owes $3,387.85 in wages, $338.78 in fees and $3,050 in penalties, officials said.

A Facebook page for Cucina Fresca has since been deleted. All content on their website has been removed, the page only reading the market's name and "Check Back Soon."

If the employer fails to contest or pay the assessment within the statutory time period, a stop-work order may be issued after a seven-day notice is served upon the employer, NJDOL said. The stop-work order remains in place until the award is paid in full by the employer.

Workers are to be paid during the time the stop-work order is in effect, for a period of up to 10 days, NJDOL said. The stop-work order may be lifted if and when any remaining back wages and administrative fees have been paid and all related issues have been resolved.