Shrewsbury company fined $31K for wage violations
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Attorney General Maura Healey agreed to $31,000 in fines for a Shrewsbury company.
A Westborough man has agreed to pay a $31,000 fine to the state that will resolve violations to the state’s wage and hour laws, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today.
“This business failed to pay its employees the appropriate wages they earned,” AG Healey said in a statement. “Our office will continue to work to address wage theft in all of its forms and make sure that all employees in Massachusetts are paid what they are owed.”
Green Paradise Landscaping in Shrewsbury and owner Bruno M. Amaral, of Westborough were investigated by the AG’s office after a referral from the state’s Joint Council on the Underground Economy alleging wage and hour violations.
The investigation reportedly found that the company failed to pay the appropriate overtime rate to nine employees during multiple pay periods between April 2012 and December 2014, amounting to more than $24,000 in unpaid overtime wages. The state’s Overtime Law requires employers to pay qualifying employees time and one half their regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a work week, according to the AG’s office.
According to the AG’s office, it was also determined that the employer misclassified employees as independent contractors, failed to maintain true and accurate payroll records, and failed to issue suitable paystubs as required by law.
Under the terms of a settlement agreement, Amaral admits to unintentional violations, and will pay more than $31,000 in restitution and penalties.
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