New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) on Monday, alleging the company repeatedly shortchanged thousands of seasonal delivery workers across the state. The lawsuit claims UPS failed to record all hours worked, required off-the-clock labor, and manipulated timekeeping systems, depriving workers of millions in wages.
“UPS built its holiday business on the backs of workers who were not paid for their time and labor,” said Attorney General James. “I am fighting to get these workers their money back and stop UPS from continuing its cruel and unlawful wage theft.”
The investigation began in 2023 after Teamsters Local 804 raised concerns about nonpayment affecting seasonal employees. These workers, including Driver Helpers and Seasonal Support Drivers, assist full-time drivers or use their personal vehicles to meet delivery demands during the busy October-to-January period. Investigators found that employees were often sent home without clocking in, went unpaid for training or travel between assignments, and had hours deducted automatically for meal breaks they did not take. Timesheets were reportedly edited to reduce paid hours, and overtime was frequently not compensated.
The lawsuit alleges that UPS’s practices violated New York Labor Law, including minimum wage, overtime, and recordkeeping requirements, as well as the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Attorney General James is seeking restitution for current and former seasonal workers and court-ordered reforms to prevent future wage theft.
Union leaders praised the Attorney General’s actions. Vincent Perrone, President of Teamsters Local 804, said, “UPS thought they could exploit seasonal workers, but the Teamsters and the State of New York will always stand up to corporate greed and abuse.” Thomas Gesualdi, President of Teamsters Joint Council 16, added, “Wage theft is theft, and we are proud to stand with Attorney General James in holding UPS accountable.”
UPS, the world’s largest package delivery company, generates roughly $90 billion in annual revenue and employs nearly 500,000 people worldwide. The lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns about labor practices during peak holiday delivery seasons in New York.
Attorney General James is asking the court to order UPS to compensate affected workers and implement comprehensive reforms to ensure seasonal employees are paid fairly for all hours worked.
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