NYC Demolition Firm Ordered to Pay Workers $1.4M Over Violations

BREAKING: A New York City demolition company, Alba Services, is facing a hefty payout of $1.4 million to approximately 700 current and former employees due to severe violations related to workers’ compensation claims. This urgent restitution agreement was confirmed by the New York Attorney General’s Office.

According to prosecutors, Alba Services systematically denied workers compensation to many employees for years, actively instructing them not to file claims. Investigations revealed that the company retaliated against those who attempted to lodge complaints, fostering a hostile work environment that endangered workers’ rights and safety.

Between 2016 and 2024, Alba reported less than half of the injuries it was legally required to, a tactic that allowed the company to keep claims artificially low and reduce insurance costs.

“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. She emphasized that her office will not tolerate such exploitation and will protect workers’ rights.

Evidence presented by the AG’s office indicated that Alba retaliated against employees seeking to file claims through intimidation and harassment. In at least two instances, the company posted fliers of employees who filed claims, threatening them with criminal prosecution and offering monetary rewards for information about these individuals.

The company’s owner, Andrew Horan, allegedly sent messages to foremen, illegally naming employees who had filed claims and soliciting information about them in exchange for money. Furthermore, the AG’s office reported that Alba interfered with employees’ medical treatment, sending representatives to accompany them to medical appointments and misrepresenting the details surrounding their injuries.

Alba Services directed injured workers to specific clinics with financial ties to the company, thereby concealing workplace injuries and obstructing legitimate workers’ compensation claims. In several alarming cases, workers were directed to urgent care centers for serious injuries that required emergency room care, highlighting the dangerous practices within the company.

In addition to violations related to workers’ compensation, prosecutors revealed that Alba Services failed to uphold employees’ human rights, neglecting to prevent sexual harassment and retaliating against those who reported misconduct.

As this situation develops, the impact on the workforce at Alba Services remains significant. The AG’s office is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that companies uphold ethical standards and protect their employees.

The urgent and troubling actions of Alba Services serve as a critical reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in workplace rights. Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.