BOSTON (Legal Newsline) - Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley issued a $96,000 order on Friday against a Quincy fire sprinkler company and its owner after they allegedly violated wage and records laws.
Boston Fire Protection Inc. and Chris Cunningham, the company's owner, allegedly failed to pay employees the prevailing wage and failed to furnish records for inspection. While working on public construction projects in Boston, Somerville and Chelmsford, Boston Fire allegedly paid eight employees less than the applicable prevailing wage.
The company also allegedly failed to provide a copy of payroll records requested during the inquiry.
"Our office works to achieve a level playing field for all businesses, contractors, and workers operating in the commonwealth to ensure that all workers are paid what they are rightfully owed under the law," Coakley said.
Coakley's Fair Labor Division started looking into the practices of Boston Fire in March after receiving a referral by Sprinkler Fitters Local 505. Massachusetts prevailing wage laws require that employees on public works projects be paid a minimum hourly rate set by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, except for individuals performing strictly supervisory functions.
Coakley's office ordered Boston Fire and Cunningham to pay more than $81,000 in restitution and $15,000 in penalties.
Coakley issues $96K order against Mass. fire sprinkler company
