UPDATE: A New York City demolition company, Alba Services, must pay $1.4 million to 700 workers after allegations of consistent violations of workers’ compensation rights. This urgent restitution agreement was announced by the New York Attorney General’s Office following an extensive investigation.
Officials confirmed that from 2016 to 2024, Alba Services systematically denied employees the right to file claims with the Workers Compensation Board. Prosecutors revealed that the company explicitly instructed many workers to refrain from seeking compensation and retaliated against those who attempted to do so.
“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 Letitia James. “We have made sure that Alba can no longer threaten, intimidate or exploit its workforce.” This strong stance underscores the urgency of protecting workers’ rights in New York.
The investigation uncovered alarming practices by Alba Services, including reporting fewer than half of the legally required workplace injuries. This manipulation led to artificially low claims and reduced insurance expenses, putting both employee safety and rights at risk.
In a shocking twist, the company allegedly retaliated against employees who filed claims through intimidation tactics, including threats and harassment. According to the AG’s office, Alba even posted fliers of employees who sought compensation, warning of potential criminal prosecution and offering rewards for information.
Moreover, the owner of Alba, Andrew Horan, reportedly sent text messages to foremen, illegally identifying employees who filed claims and incentivizing them to provide information about their colleagues. This behavior highlights a severe breach of ethical conduct and employee trust.
Investigators also found that Alba Services interfered with employees’ medical treatment. Company representatives accompanied workers to medical appointments, misrepresenting the nature of their injuries and directing them to specific clinics in an effort to conceal workplace injuries. In some dire cases, workers were directed to urgent care centers instead of emergency rooms for serious injuries, compromising their health and well-being.
Beyond workers’ compensation violations, Alba Services was found to have failed in preventing sexual harassment, further demonstrating a disregard for basic human rights. Employees who reported misconduct faced retaliation, creating a hostile work environment.
As this situation develops, it is crucial for affected workers to understand their rights and seek justice. The Attorney General’s Office is committed to holding companies accountable and ensuring that workers are protected from exploitation.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as officials continue to address the systemic issues of workplace safety and employee rights in New York City.
