NY Attorney General Accuses UPS of Cheating Holiday Workers Out of Millions in Wages
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New York Attorney General Letitia James has accused delivery giant UPS of cheating seasonal holiday workers out of millions of dollars in legally required wages, according to a lawsuit filed Monday.
James’ office said a multi-year investigation found that UPS routinely shortchanged seasonal employees 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 lawsuit, filed in Manhattan Supreme Court just 10 days before Christmas, alleges that UPS violated state and federal labor laws by failing to pay minimum wages, promised wages, and overtime compensation to thousands of workers.
“Each year, UPS commits wage theft against these workers in myriad ways,” the civil complaint states, describing what prosecutors say is a systemic pattern of underpayment.
According to the filing, UPS’ peak season runs from October through January, during which the company hires thousands of temporary workers across at least 55 facilities throughout New York state to meet holiday shipping demand.
In a statement, UPS said it is aware of the lawsuit but declined to comment on the allegations directly. “As a matter of policy, we do not comment on ongoing litigation,” the company said, adding that it takes accusations of wrongdoing seriously and is reviewing the claims.
UPS also defended its employment practices, saying it provides industry-leading pay and benefits to more than 26,000 employees in New York and remains committed to complying with all applicable laws.
The lawsuit seeks a court finding that UPS repeatedly violated wage and labor laws, an injunction preventing the company from continuing the alleged practices, and monetary relief for affected workers.
“UPS built its holiday business on the backs of workers who were not paid for their time and labor,” James said in a statement. She added that seasonal employees work long, physically demanding hours in harsh winter conditions and accused the company of “playing the Grinch” by failing to compensate them fairly.
