A New York City construction company has agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle accusations that it broke workers’ compensation rules, retaliated against injured workers, and failed to handle sexual harassment on the job. The settlement involves Alba Services, its owner Andrew Horan, and several related companies.
The New York Attorney General’s office revealed that their investigation uncovered a pattern of illegal actions stretching back nearly ten years, affecting more than 700 employees. From 2016 to 2024, Alba Services reportedly failed to report hundreds of workplace injuries as required by law. The company also instructed employees not to file claims, leading to fewer injury reports than required. This underreporting lowered Alba’s insurance costs, giving it an unfair edge over competitors.
The owner, Andrew Horan, admitted in an affidavit that the company retaliated against workers who tried to file claims. Employees faced harassment, threats, and even offers of money to stay quiet. The company went as far as posting flyers publicly naming workers who filed claims, accusing them of fraud and offering cash rewards for information that could lead to their arrests. Text messages sent by Horan to supervisors also revealed the names of injured workers and offered money for information about them. Investigators found at least 60 instances of these unlawful disclosures.
The investigation also showed that Alba interfered with injured workers’ medical care by sending company representatives to urgent care centers and hospitals. These representatives sometimes misrepresented how or where the injury happened. Alba directed workers to specific clinics with which it had deals, which helped hide workplace injuries.
In addition to these issues, Alba Services failed to address sexual harassment claims. At least two employees reported ongoing harassment by a foreman who sent inappropriate messages, made unwelcome comments about their appearance, and touched them physically without consent. Workers who spoke up about these incidents faced retaliation.
As part of the settlement, Alba must pay $1.4 million in restitution to its current and former employees. The company also has to make changes to follow New York’s labor and human rights laws. An additional $100,000 will cover costs for the settlement administrator.
This order doesn’t just affect Alba Services alone. It also includes several related companies such as Alba Carting & Demolition, Alba Environment AI, Alba Core & Shell, Alba Electric Corp., and others connected to Alba’s operations in New York City.
The case highlights the importance of protecting workers’ rights and ensuring that companies follow laws designed to keep workplaces safe and fair. It also shows the risks companies face when they try to cut corners or intimidate employees who speak up.