The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development on Aug. 14 ordered the closure of more than two dozen Boston Market locations in the state after an investigation found the fast-food chain had amassed more than $2.5 million in back damages, fees and penalties, including more than $600,000 in back wages owed to 314 workers. According to the labor department, the stop-work orders to 27 Boston Market locations are part of an effort to prevent future violations.

“With the stop work order process, which was approved by Governor Murphy back in 2018, there is an expedited appeal process… So the owners have the right to appeal the stop-work order and we need to give them a hearing within seven days,” said Robert Asaro-Angelo, Commissioner at the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. “But importantly, as part of the stop-work order law, workers, will be paid or due to be paid for up to ten days during any stop-work order.”

“It’s a big deal to see this happen. but I think that it’s a lot more common and widespread than we realize,” said Todd Vachon, an assistant professor in the Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations at Rutgers University. “…it’s encouraging for working people to see that there actually are charges being filed and that an employer is being held to account and being forced to comply with the law.”