UPDATE: A New York City demolition company, Alba Services, faces a major financial penalty of $1.4 million following revelations of systemic violations against its workers. The New York Attorney General’s Office confirmed that 700 current and former employees will receive restitution after being denied their rightful compensation for years.
Authorities uncovered a troubling pattern where Alba Services allegedly instructed employees not to file claims with the Workers Compensation Board. In a shocking move, the company reportedly retaliated against those who attempted to report injuries, creating an environment of intimidation. Investigators found that between 2016 and 2024, Alba reported less than half of the workplace injuries it was legally obligated to, thus manipulating insurance costs and keeping claims artificially low.
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.” She emphasized that her office is committed to ensuring that companies like Alba cannot exploit their workforce or endanger their safety and dignity.
The AG’s office detailed alarming tactics employed by Alba Services. Employees who sought to file claims faced threats, harassment, and financial incentives to remain silent. In egregious instances, the company displayed fliers of those who filed claims, warning of criminal prosecution and promising rewards for any information about them. The owner, Andrew Horan, allegedly sent texts to foremen naming injured employees and requested information about them for monetary compensation.
Moreover, the AG’s investigation revealed that Alba Services interfered with employees’ medical treatments. The company dispatched representatives to accompany workers to medical appointments, misrepresenting how and where injuries occurred. Employees were often directed to specific clinics with agreements to conceal workplace injuries, blocking legitimate claims for compensation. In several cases, workers were advised to visit urgent care centers for serious injuries that should have been treated in emergency rooms.
Beyond violations related to workers’ compensation, prosecutors indicated that Alba Services failed to protect employees from sexual harassment, further exacerbating the hostile work environment.
As this case develops, it highlights the urgent need for accountability in industries where worker exploitation may go unchecked. The full impact of this restitution agreement is yet to be seen, but it serves as a stark reminder of the rights workers hold and the importance of safeguarding those rights.
Stay tuned for more updates as this case unfolds, and what it means for labor rights in New York City and beyond.
