Michael Bianco Workers Claim Wages Owed: Class Action Lawsuit Filed for Overtime and Unpaid Wages

More than 500 current and former workers from the New Bedford factory Michael Bianco, Inc. filed a federal class action lawsuit. The case alleges wage theft, unpaid overtime, and illegal time deductions.

Key Allegations Explained Clearly

The lawsuit claims the company built a payroll scheme to avoid paying overtime. Many workers logged a full day shift and then returned for an evening shift. Yet, they did not receive time-and-a-half pay. Instead, their weekly hours were split across two paychecks. One came from Michael Bianco. The second came from its sister corporation, Front Line Defense, Inc.. Both businesses reportedly shared the same building, equipment, team, and supervisors.

Statements From Worker Advocates

Attorney Greater Boston Legal Services leads the worker representation with help from South Coastal Counties Legal Services. The legal team also includes managing partner Philip Gordon from Gordon Law Group, providing services in a pro bono role.
Senior attorney Audrey Richardson stated the company created a fake separation between the businesses. She explained that both corporations operated as one employer in practice. Attorney Ingrid Nava added that many workers earned minimum wage or close to it. She also stressed that workplace fairness protects all workers, regardless of status.

Time Deduction and Rounding Practices Under Fire

The filing also challenges the company tardiness policy. Workers lost 15 to 30 minutes of wages for arriving one minute late. This happened even when long clock-in lines caused the delay. Workers also waited to punch out, but they weren’t paid for that time either.
Advocacy director Phillip Kassel, speaking for South Coastal Counties Legal Services, said the company kept large sums that should have paid low-wage families instead.

Community and Legal Collaboration

The case was filed in partnership with the Organizacion Maya K’iche, a local worker support organization led by director Anibal Lucas. He said workers only wanted fair treatment and stable income.

The Immigration Raid That Triggered Worker Claims

In March 2007, a federal immigration raid hit the Michael Bianco factory. It resulted in arrests, family hardship, and a community support crisis. But wage violations reportedly affected all workers, not only those detained.

Why This Case Matters for Wage Law Enforcement

The lawsuit highlights how misdirection can block worker rights. The case also pushes companies to follow real payroll rules, real overtime calculations, and fair time recording. Most importantly, it pressures employers to treat compensable time as paid time.

✅ Rights Workers Can Reclaim If the Case Succeeds

• Full hourly wages for missed compensable time
• Time-and-a-half overtime premiums for excess hours
• Repayment for illegal minute-late deductions
• Compensation for unpaid clock-out waiting periods
• Possible multiple damage awards based on unpaid wage value