AG Campbell Issues Over $1.3 Million In Citations Against Boston-Based Quick Temp And Owner For Wage, Sick Time, And Records Violations
AG Campbell Issues Over $1.3 Million In Citations Against Boston ... Mass.gov
sdgtalks
BOSTON — Attorney General Announces Citations Against Quick Temp., Inc.
Attorney General Andrea Campbell announced a series of citations against Quick Temp., Inc., its owner, Thomas Lauzon, and manager, Paul Long, totaling $1,392,665, in restitution and civil fines. The violations were for failure to pay a prevailing wage, failure to pay minimum wage, failure to pay overtime, non-payment of wages, failure to accrue earned sick leave, failure to keep true and accurate records, and failure to furnish employment notices to temporary agency employees.
About Quick Temp., Inc.
Quick Temp., Inc. is registered as a for-profit corporation with a principal office located in Boston. The company, which purportedly ceased operations in March of 2022, connected employees as day laborers with numerous waste management client companies in the Greater Boston area.
Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Quick Temp repeatedly denied their employees a prevailing wage and other benefits guaranteed to them by law. As we approach the holiday season, these issues of wage theft become even more pressing to resolve. My office will continue to hold accountable those who violate our wage and hour laws and do so in partnership with our unions and trades. I am extremely grateful for the partnership with Teamsters Local 25.
Referral and Violations
The matter was initially referred to the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division by Teamsters Local 25 which reported that Quick Temp was paying workers significantly less than the prevailing wage rate they were required to pay by various municipalities’ waste management contracts, for work performed as “pickers” on trash trucks. The Teamsters representatives also furnished information that employees were required to cash pay “vouchers” at a local check cashing establishment, which charged a fee to do so.
Partnership with Teamsters Local 25
Teamsters Local 25 is proud to represent 800 workers in the solid waste industry and this week’s action is a victory for workers who are routinely taken advantage of by day labor services in this field and not paid prevailing wages. We are proud to partner with the Attorney General’s Office in fighting for workers’ rights in all industries, but especially in solid waste where corporations often prey on essential workers. We commend and thank all the hardworking attorneys and staff in the Office who work tirelessly to protect workers throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Additional Violations
Over the course of the investigation, it was found that in addition to prevailing wage violations, Quick Temp deducted wages from pay for cashing vouchers, did not pay overtime, failed to pay a minimum wage, failed to keep true and accurate records, and did not furnish earned sick leave, despite being previously issued citations totaling $82,000.00 by the Attorney General’s Office in 2019 for many of the same violations. The company also violated the Massachusetts Temporary Workers Right to Know Law that provides specific, additional protections for employees of staffing agencies.
Filing Complaints and Seeking Information
Workers who believe that their rights have been violated in the workplace are encouraged to file a complaint online at www.mass.gov/ago/fld. For more information about the state’s wage and hour laws, workers may call the AG’s Fair Labor Hotline at (617) 727-3465 or go to www.mass.gov/ago/fairlabor for materials in multiple languages.
Handling of the Case
This matter was handled by Investigator Matija Zizanovic and Assistant Attorney General Amy Goyer, both of AG Campbell’s Fair Labor Division.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The issues highlighted in the article are related to labor rights violations, specifically regarding wages, benefits, and working conditions. These issues are directly connected to SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Additionally, these violations contribute to increased inequalities, making SDG 10 relevant as well.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
- Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage, and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality.
The article highlights violations related to wages, overtime pay, sick leave, and accurate record-keeping. These violations directly relate to Target 8.5 of SDG 8, which aims to achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all. Furthermore, the article mentions wage theft and the denial of prevailing wages, indicating a lack of equality in pay. This connects to Target 10.4 of SDG 10, which focuses on achieving greater equality through policies.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities.
- Indicator 10.4.1: Labour share of GDP, comprising wages and social protection transfers.
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators. However, to measure progress towards Target 8.5 of SDG 8, the average hourly earnings of employees can be used as an indicator. This would help assess if equal pay for work of equal value is being achieved. For Target 10.4 of SDG 10, the labor share of GDP, which includes wages, can be used as an indicator to measure progress in achieving greater equality.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage, and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality. | Indicator 10.4.1: Labour share of GDP, comprising wages and social protection transfers. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: mass.gov
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
