New York Attorney General alleges UPS timekeeping practices deprive millions of dollars from seasonal workers.
UPS is facing legal challenges following accusations that its timekeeping practices have systematically denied millions in wages to seasonal employees. The New York Attorney General has initiated a lawsuit against the company, which is recognized as the world’s largest package delivery service. The allegations, detailed in a complaint filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, suggest that UPS has compelled its peak-season workers to endure grueling hours without additional compensation, particularly during the beginning and end of their shifts.
The Attorney General asserts that the company has failed to accurately record the hours worked, manipulating internal timekeeping systems to reduce workers’ pay. This alleged mismanagement has affected thousands of employees across at least 55 UPS facilities throughout New York. Many of these workers are temporary staff who assist full-time drivers with deliveries during the busy holiday season, often using their personal vehicles to meet heightened consumer demand.
Workers at these facilities have reported experiences of waiting for extended periods prior to their shifts without being able to log their time, leading to unpaid labor. This includes time spent traveling between different assignments, returning packages, and returning equipment. Significantly, the alleged practice often means that employees’ work hours only begin to register after they have scanned or delivered their first package of the day.
The lawsuit stems from complaints submitted in 2023 by Teamsters Local 804, highlighting the dire financial conditions faced by seasonal workers who rely on their wages. The Attorney General expressed concern for these individuals, noting that they often go unnoticed amid the holiday rush, despite their essential contributions to UPS’s operations. Preliminary estimates indicate that potential restitution for these workers could amount to approximately million.
In response to the allegations, a UPS spokesman stated that the company is aware of the lawsuit and vehemently denies the claims of intentionally underpaying its employees. The spokesperson emphasized that UPS offers competitive pay and benefits to its employees and asserts that the company abides by applicable laws.
The lawsuit not only pertains to the current seasonal workforce in New York but also seeks recourse for similar issues dating back to 2019. As this case unfolds, it has the potential to inspire similar actions in other states, amplifying the discussion surrounding wage protection for vulnerable workers within large corporations. The growing scrutiny of employment practices at UPS underscores the ongoing challenges faced by seasonal and part-time laborers, particularly at a time when the demand for package delivery services surges.
