BOSTON, MASS. – Local 32BJ has alleged nonpayment of wages and earned sick time violations against Flight Services & Systems Inc. FSS is an Ohio-based company that provides non-TSA related security, wheelchair assistance, and other services for airlines.
As a result of an investigation by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, citations totaling $74,250 in penalties were issued against this business. The company failed to keep accurate records, make timely payment of wages, and violated the Earned Sick Time Law. The AG’s Office began its investigation after receiving several complaints from FSS employees through the Service Employees Industrial Union, Local 32BJ alleging nonpayment of wages.
“In Massachusetts, getting paid what you’re owed is a right, not a privilege,” said AG Healey. “I commend these workers for coming forward and hope this action from my office sends a message to employers that we are committed to enforcing wage and hour laws when companies don’t play by the rules.”
Investigators
found that FSS paid its workers less than the $12 minimum hourly wage
as required by Massport for certain airline contractors during the time
period covered by the investigation, including paying wheelchair
attendants only $11.25 per hour.
The AG’s investigation also found that FSS failed to provide employees with required notices about their rights under the Earned Sick Time law, and frequently failed to pay workers in a timely fashion. During the course of the AG’s Office investigation, Massport directed FSS to pay $111,000 in restitution to employees.
“For far too long, FSS has been getting away with stealing wages from the working people who keep our airport clean and safe,” said Roxana Rivera, Vice President of 32BJ SEIU. “Wage theft not only hurts the people who fall victim to this unlawful practice, it hurts local economies by pushing more families below the poverty line and forcing them to rely on public assistance. We applaud Attorney General Maura Healey and her team for holding FSS accountable for their unlawful and immoral behavior, which they couldn’t have done without the help of the brave workers who came forward. The Massachusetts AG has sent a clear message to Boston’s entire business community—follow our local laws and treat working families right, or there will be consequences.”
