BOSTON — Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell unveiled the Office’s annual Labor Day Report today, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to fair treatment for workers in Massachusetts, ensuring they receive just pay, benefits, and safe working environments.
“Every action we take—whether on behalf of an individual or thousands of workers—signals that Massachusetts is dedicated to safeguarding our residents in the workplace,” stated AG Campbell. “This year, my office has made significant progress, but our mission continues. We will remain devoted to defending our workforce, ensuring that the Commonwealth is at the forefront of workers’ rights protection.”
Fiscal Year 2024 Overview
During Fiscal Year 2024 (FY2024), from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, the Fair Labor Division (FLD) under AG Campbell’s leadership initiated civil enforcement actions against 638 employers, benefiting 40,370 workers and resulting in over $31.5 million in restitution and penalties.
The retail and sales sectors had the highest percentage of enforcement actions at 26.2%, with “Failure to Make Timely Payments” being the most frequently cited violation (487 citations).
Addressing Exploitation
In December, the Office achieved its first conviction for labor trafficking since the enactment of An Act Relative to the Commercial Exploitation of People in 2012, which criminalized human trafficking related to sexual servitude and forced labor.
Additionally, to combat exploitation of vulnerable groups, the FLD led a coalition of 27 labor enforcement agencies in urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to extend the protection period for noncitizen victims and witnesses of labor violations within the Deferred Action Program from two to four years. Extended protections are vital as investigations can take years, and losing protection might hinder ongoing inquiries into illegal practices. Subsequently, DHS announced a four-year extension for the program.
Youth Employment Initiatives
AG Campbell also prioritized promoting safe and healthy job opportunities for young individuals. In FY2024, the FLD assessed over $3.6 million against employers violating child labor laws, with $2.7 million attributed to numerous violations at Dunkin’ franchises. Furthermore, the AGO’s Healthy Summer Youth Jobs grant program distributed nearly $375,000, sourced from healthcare and child labor settlements, to more than 30 organizations dedicated to health-focused employment for youth.
Significant Cases
Among notable achievements, the FLD reached a landmark settlement with Uber and Lyft, concluding years of misclassification litigation. The agreement halts the companies’ attempts to alter state employment law and mandates a combined payment of $175 million to the Commonwealth, primarily benefiting current and former drivers.
Additionally, following a lengthy investigation, the FLD settled with MGM Springfield for $6.8 million in restitution and penalties related to numerous wage and hour violations affecting 2,036 employees, predominantly service staff.
The FLD also issued citations amounting to nearly $2.5 million against Concierge Services, Inc., a company providing concierge staffing in the Greater Boston area, for various wage and hour infractions from January 2018 to December 2021, including periods during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Community Engagement and Outreach
Beyond enforcement, the AGO held or took part in almost 200 community events focused on workers and employers, conducting 206 compliance visits in FY2024. These efforts reflect the Office’s dedication to not just enforcement but also educating citizens about state labor laws and their significance.
The FLD consists of a team that includes attorneys and support staff, tasked with enforcing laws governing wage payment, including minimum wage, overtime, prevailing wage, child labor, and earned sick leave. The Division aims to protect employees from exploitation and wage theft through strong community relations and educational initiatives.
Workers who suspect their rights have been infringed can contact the Fair Labor Hotline at (617) 727-3465. More details about the state’s wage and hour regulations can be found in various languages at www.mass.gov/ago/fairlabor.