Full Breakdown
New York Attorney General Sues UPS Over Alleged Wage Theft from Seasonal Workers
12/18/2025, 10:52:34 AM
Overview of the Lawsuit
New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS), accusing the company of unlawfully withholding wages from thousands of seasonal delivery workers across the state. The lawsuit, filed on December 15, 2025, in State Supreme Court, alleges that UPS failed to pay minimum wage, overtime, and other required compensation, resulting in millions of dollars in unpaid wages. The suit seeks restitution for affected workers and demands reforms to prevent future violations.
Allegations of Wage Theft
The lawsuit stems from an investigation initiated by complaints from Teamsters Local 804, which highlighted widespread wage issues affecting seasonal employees. According to the findings, UPS engaged in systematic practices that included failing to accurately record hours worked, requiring off-the-clock labor, and manipulating timekeeping systems to reduce paid hours. Seasonal workers, including Driver Helpers and Seasonal Support Drivers, reported being required to wait on-site without pay, perform tasks before clocking in, and face automatic deductions for meal breaks regardless of whether they were taken.
Impact on Workers
Attorney General James emphasized the harsh conditions faced by seasonal workers, stating, “UPS built its holiday business on the backs of workers who were not paid for their time and labor.” Many seasonal employees logged over 40 hours per week during peak periods but were denied legally mandated overtime pay. The lawsuit claims that UPS's practices not only deprived workers of their earned wages but also exploited their labor during critical holiday delivery periods.
Official Responses
In response to the allegations, UPS has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that it provides industry-leading pay and benefits to its employees. A spokesperson stated, “UPS denies the unfounded allegation of intentionally underpaying UPS employees. We remain committed to following all applicable laws.” The company has stated that it takes all accusations seriously and is prepared to address the lawsuit.
Criticism and Support for the Lawsuit
Support for the lawsuit has come from labor organizations, with Teamsters Local 804 President Vincent Perrone stating, “UPS thought they could exploit seasonal workers by not paying them for all time worked. But the Teamsters and the State of New York will always stand up to corporate greed and abuse.” Thomas Gesualdi, President of International Brotherhood of Teamsters Joint Council 16, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need to hold corporations accountable for exploiting vulnerable workers.
What's Next
The lawsuit seeks restitution for current and former seasonal workers whose wages were unlawfully withheld, with estimates suggesting the total could exceed $45 million. Additionally, the suit calls for a court order requiring UPS to end off-the-clock work and revise its timekeeping and payroll practices. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for labor rights and wage practices within the delivery industry.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the lawsuit claims that UPS's practices affected thousands of workers, the exact number of individuals impacted and the total amount of wages owed remains undetermined. UPS maintains that it complies with labor laws, indicating a potential conflict in the narratives surrounding the company's wage practices.
Verbatim Quotes
“UPS built its holiday business on the backs of workers who were not paid for their time and labor.” — Letitia James, New York Attorney General
“UPS thought they could exploit seasonal workers by not paying them for all time worked.” — Vincent Perrone, President of Teamsters Local 804
“UPS denies the unfounded allegation of intentionally underpaying UPS employees.” — UPS Spokesperson
