UPS Accused of Stealing $45 Million from Seasonal Workers
UPDATE: New York Attorney General Letitia James has just announced a lawsuit against UPS, alleging the company ripped off seasonal workers by stealing an estimated $45 million in wages. This urgent legal action was filed in state court in Manhattan, revealing shocking pay practices that have impacted tens of thousands of employees during the intense holiday shipping season.
The lawsuit claims UPS has been “repeatedly and persistently” failing to properly compensate seasonal driver helpers and support drivers who use their own vehicles. Allegations include forcing workers to clock in well after shifts began and unjustly deducting pay for lunch breaks that were never taken. The lawsuit comes amidst a backdrop of UPS delivering an average of 22.4 million packages per day and generating $91.1 billion in revenue last year.
During a press conference, James emphasized the human impact, stating, “We oftentimes don’t think of these workers when we’re opening up our gifts for the holidays. And these individuals are struggling each and every day to make ends meet.” The lawsuit demands back pay, penalties, and a court order to halt off-the-clock work, along with significant changes to UPS’s timekeeping and payroll practices.
In response, UPS issued a statement asserting it takes all allegations seriously and denies any claims of intentional wrongdoing. The company claims to offer “industry-leading pay and benefits” to its 26,000 employees in New York and insists it fully complies with applicable laws.
The investigation into UPS began in 2023, prompted by complaints from the employee union, Teamsters Local 804, regarding the treatment of seasonal workers, who are typically hired from October to January. Union director Josh Pomeranz acknowledged the issues, stating, “These are just certain practices that you have to actively ignore, not to see it happening.”
As this story develops, seasonal workers and their advocates are rallying for justice, highlighting the pressing need for fair treatment during a time when the demand for delivery services peaks dramatically. This lawsuit not only seeks financial recompense but also aims to raise awareness about the struggles faced by those who often remain invisible during the holiday rush.
Stay tuned for more updates as this urgent case unfolds, impacting countless workers and the practices of one of the world’s largest shipping companies.
