Shrewsbury Landscaping Company Pays $31,000 for Wage and Hour Law Violations

SHREWSBURY, MA — A Westborough man and his Shrewsbury landscaping company is shelling out more than $31,000 in restitution and penalties to resolve violations of the state’s wage and hour laws.

“This business failed to pay its employees the appropriate wages they earned,” Attorney Maura Healey said in an announcement. “Our office will continue to work to address wage theft in all of its forms and make sure that all employees in Massachusetts are paid what they are owed.”

Green Paradise Landscaping in Shrewsbury and owner Bruno M. Amaral, of Westborough, was investigated by the Fair Labor Division after a referral from the state’s Joint Council on the Underground Economy alleging wage and hour violations.

The company failed to pay the appropriate overtime rate to nine employees during multiple pay periods between April 2012 and December 2014, said the AG's office, amounting to more than $24,000 in unpaid overtime wages.

The AG’s Office also determined that the employer misclassified employees as independent contractors, failed to maintain true and accurate payroll records, and didn't issue suitable paystubs.

Under the terms of a settlement agreement, Amaral admits to unintentional violations, and will pay more than $31,000 in restitution and penalties.