The Attorney General of Massachusetts’ Office has reached a settlement worth over $6.8m with MGM Springfield after a series of employee compensation and benefits violations.
MGM Springfield was accused of a series of violations of labor rights including failing to pay the minimum wage to tipped employees, failing to pay overtime wages, unlawful tip retention and failing to pay wages on time.
The AG’s Office investigated the breaches for several years after receiving complaints from employees who believed they were not being paid properly in compliance with employee rights laws.
Employees also complained about managers engaging in staff tip-pooling, unpaid overtime rates and security guards being forced to work without breaks. The complaints spread across 2,036 service-rate employees across multiple functions of the property including table game dealers, waiting staff, kitchen staff and casino floor staff.
Following the investigation, which was based on complaints first made in 2018, MGM Springfield agreed to pay $6.8m and introduce a compliance program as well as conduct third-party audits.
“MGM Springfield’s failure to provide its employees, especially service workers earning an hourly wage and relying on tips, with their full wages and benefits made it more difficult for these employees to take care of themselves and their families,” said AG Andrea Campbell. “My office will continue to hold accountable those who violate our wage and hour laws.”
