UPDATE: A New York City demolition company, Alba Services, is set to pay $1.4 million to approximately 700 current and former workers following a restitution agreement with the New York Attorney General’s Office. This decision comes after investigators uncovered that Alba allegedly denied workers their rightful compensation and retaliated against those who attempted to file claims.
The agreement was announced today, revealing that between 2016 and 2024, Alba reportedly reported fewer than half of the injuries it was legally obligated to, significantly reducing their insurance costs. The Attorney General, Letitia James, stated, “For nearly a decade, Alba silenced injured workers, manipulated insurance costs, and allowed a culture of harassment to fester on its worksites.”
Investigators from the AG’s office determined that Alba explicitly instructed workers to avoid filing claims with the Workers Compensation Board and retaliated against those who did. This included threats, harassment, and financial incentives to remain silent. Notably, the company even posted fliers of employees who filed claims, threatening them with criminal prosecution while offering rewards for information.
The violations extend beyond compensation issues. Prosecutors reported that Alba failed to prevent sexual harassment and took retaliatory actions against employees who reported misconduct. The company’s owner, Andrew Horan, was implicated in sending texts to foremen, illegally naming employees who had filed claims and asking for information about them in exchange for money.
Additionally, the AG’s office revealed that Alba interfered with employees’ medical treatment, often sending representatives to accompany workers to medical appointments. These representatives misrepresented the circumstances of injuries and directed employees to specific clinics to conceal workplace injuries, obstructing workers’ compensation claims. In some instances, workers were directed to urgent care centers for serious injuries, which required more comprehensive emergency room care.
This settlement is a significant victory for workers’ rights, ensuring that Alba can no longer intimidate or exploit its workforce. Letitia James emphasized that her office will not tolerate companies that cheat workers out of their rights or foster hostile workplaces that threaten safety and dignity.
WHAT’S NEXT: The AG’s office is expected to continue monitoring Alba Services to ensure compliance with the restitution agreement. This case highlights the importance of protecting workers’ rights and maintaining safe work environments across New York City and beyond.
As this story develops, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by workers in hazardous industries and the need for vigilant enforcement of labor laws. Stay tuned for further updates as more details emerge.
