UPDATE: A New York City demolition company, Alba Services, has just announced a restitution agreement that will see them pay $1.4 million to 700 current and former employees over serious violations of workers’ rights. This decisive action comes following an investigation by the New York Attorney General’s Office, which uncovered alarming practices spanning from 2016 to 2024.
The Attorney General, Letitia James, confirmed that Alba Services systematically denied workers compensation, instructing employees not to file claims and retaliating against those who attempted to do so. Investigators revealed that Alba reported fewer than half of the injuries it was legally obligated to disclose, which not only kept claims low but also significantly reduced their insurance costs.
“For nearly a decade, Alba silenced injured workers, manipulated insurance costs, and allowed a culture of harassment to fester on its worksites,” stated Attorney General James. “We have made sure that Alba can no longer threaten, intimidate, or exploit its workforce.”
The AG’s office disclosed that Alba employed various tactics to suppress legitimate claims. Employees faced threats and harassment, while financial incentives were offered to keep them silent. Disturbingly, fliers were posted highlighting employees who filed claims, warning of potential criminal prosecution. Alba’s owner, Andrew Horan, allegedly sent texts to foremen identifying these employees and soliciting information about them in exchange for money.
Moreover, the investigation found that Alba interfered with workers’ medical treatment. Company representatives accompanied employees to medical appointments and misrepresented the nature of their injuries. In some instances, workers were directed to specific clinics to conceal workplace injuries and block workers’ compensation claims. The AG’s office reported that serious injuries were even mismanaged, with employees being sent to urgent care centers instead of emergency rooms.
Beyond these violations, prosecutors emphasized that Alba Services failed to uphold human rights standards, neglecting to prevent sexual harassment and retaliating against those who reported misconduct. This pattern of exploitation and intimidation has now been brought to an end, with the restitution agreement serving as a crucial step towards justice for affected workers.
As this situation develops, the AG’s office is committed to ensuring that no company can cheat workers out of their rights or create hostile workplace environments. The immediate implications of this ruling will be felt by thousands in the industry, sending a clear message about the importance of protecting workers’ rights.
Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available about this ongoing situation.
