by admin on December 14, 2015
More carpenters working on a site being managed by Callahan, Inc have come forward with complaints that they have been victims of wage theft. This continues a consistent and disturbing pattern that has led to protests at numerous Callahan sites across Eastern Massachusetts.
Last week, two carpenters completed statements against J Kerrissey, an open shop subcontractor to Callahan, working on the demolition of the old YMCA in Quincy. One of the workers says he is owed $3,300 in wages, the other is owed $1,600. Indications are that at least three other workers are in the same situation.
The site is adjacent to the new facility built by Callahan, which was the source of controversy and questions about building quality.
More than thirty union carpenters turned out to support the workers at a demonstration on Thursday. During the demonstration, the workers presented their complaints to the manager of the YMCA. Later, he returned and asked for the names and phone numbers of the workers so that he could follow up and provide assistance.
A copy of one of the worker’s checks shows that no deductions for federal or state taxes were ever taken out. Adding insult to injury, the checks bounced when the workers attempted to cash them. Both workers are still owed for their time worked.
The workers will also speak to representatives of Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey this week about their experience.
A worker’s check, showing no deductions for income tax, workers compensation, or other taxes.
by admin on December 14, 2015
A story in today’s Boston Globe discusses yet another example of the underground economy in Construction, and its effects on workers, companies, and taxpayers. Carpenters working for Force Corporation (Woburn, MA) on the CATS Academy site in Braintree are receiving no overtime pay and being paid without any legally mandated state and federal tax deductions.
“Several carpenters who worked at the CATS site, all Spanish-speaking immigrants, recently told the Globe that they were not being paid overtime for the work they did beyond 40 hours a week; they said their regular rates were $14 to $17 an hour. Union officials say these workers, who have since found other jobs, also didn’t have taxes taken out of their paychecks.” – Jon Chesto, Boston Globe, Nov. 26 2015
While Callahan, Inc. is not the general contractor for this project, Callahan has used Force in the past, including the Northbridge @ Pinehills Independent Living Community project. Additionally, violations such as those described in the article are endemic to many of Callahan’s subcontractors, and are indicative of Callahan’s business model.