Braintree Company Fined After Violating Labor Laws: AG's Office

BRAINTREE, MA — A local temporary staffing agency was fined over $100,000 after violating Massachusetts wage and sick time laws, according to Attorney General Maura Healey's office. The Credence Group Corporation, which provides workers to two client companies in Hingham and Middleboro, failed to allow employees to use earned sick time, pay wages on time, and keep accurate payment records, according to Healey's office. The Attorney General's office also said the company failed to give employees suitable pay stubs and miss-classified workers as independent contractors.

The Attorney General's office began investigating the work Credence was giving to its contractors, Venus Wafers, of Hingham, and Malden International Designs Inc., of Middleboro after receiving an anonymous tip. Investigators conducted site inspections and issued payroll demands to Credence and the two client companies that revealed some employees were paid in cash, frequently did not receive paystubs, and were not provided with earned sick time, Healey's office said in a statement. The investigation also showed that most employees at Malden International Designs were routinely underpaid and paid through a sub-agency that changed names several times, the Attorney General's office said. Investigators said Credence misclassified those employees as independent contractors.

Healey's office said Credence has come into compliance with the wage and hour laws and has agreed to pay the restitution and penalties.