Dear New Yorkers,

Turns out two companies hired by MTA to clean subway cars were doing their workers “dirty.”

This month, the Office of the Comptroller filed lawsuits against Fleetwash and Ln Pro Services for failing to pay their employees prevailing wages at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We found that Fleetwash and Ln Pro (the two companies MTA hired to clean and disinfect subway cars) owe their employees $876,923.44 and $1,753,768.54 in back wages, respectively.

The nearly 400 New Yorkers who got cheated between 2020-2021 were the unsung heroes keeping New York City safe amidst the terrifying conditions of a global pandemic. They deserve the respect and pay that represents the value they provide to the City.

As New York City Comptroller, it is my charter-mandated responsibility to set and enforce the prevailing wage – a.k.a. the wage and benefits rate for work on public work projects. Our Workers' Rights Team takes this responsibility very seriously.

While the legal process is still playing out, I'm confident that we are on the right side of the law. We will make sure that these workers receive the pay to which they are entitled. In fact, since 2022, my office has recovered over $5 million in back wages and civil penalties owed to workers.

These new lawsuits signal that New York City will not tolerate short-changing the workers whose hard work made our subways safer during the pandemic. By suing, we will bring these workers closer to justice.

Here's to accountability, workers' rights, and a more just future,

Brad

P.S. Often, workers are unaware that the Comptroller’s office has already collected money on their behalf. Check now: Is your name on our list of workers with unclaimed unpaid NYC wage awards?