New York Attorney General Letitia James accused delivery giant UPS of cheating seasonal holiday workers out of millions of dollars in legally owed wages, according to a new lawsuit filed Monday.
James’ office said that an investigation “found that for years, UPS has shortchanged seasonal workers who keep the company running during peak holiday demand by failing to record all hours worked, requiring widespread off-the-clock labor, and manipulating timekeeping systems to reduce paid hours.”
The suit in Manhattan Supreme Court, filed 10 days before Christmas, alleges that UPS failed to pay seasonal workers minimum wages, promised wages, and overtime wages, in violation of state and federal labor law.
“Each year, UPS commits wage theft against these workers in myriad ways,” the civil complaint says.
The suit notes that during its peak season, which runs from October to January, UPS hires thousands of temporary workers at at least 55 facilities in New York state.
UPS, in a statement, said, “We are aware of the news from the New York Attorney’s General Office and, as a matter of policy, do not comment on ongoing litigation. UPS takes all accusations of wrongdoing seriously and is thoroughly investigating the matter.”
“We offer industry-leading pay and benefits to our more than 26,000 employees in New York, and we remain committed to following all applicable laws,” the company said.
The lawsuit seeks a finding that UPS repeatedly violated wage and labor laws, an injunction barring the company from engaging in the alleged illegal practices, and monetary awards.
“UPS built its holiday business on the backs of workers who were not paid for their time and labor,” James said in a statement.
“UPS’s seasonal employees work brutal hours in the cold to deliver the holiday packages families across the country count on. Instead of compensating these workers fairly for their labor, UPS has played the Grinch,” James said.
