In a major crackdown on alleged labor violations, the state of New Jersey ordered the immediate closure of 27 Boston Market restaurants across the state. The move comes after an investigation revealed a range of labor infractions, marking a significant blow to the popular fast-casual chain.
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development initiated the investigation following multiple complaints from employees and labor advocacy groups. They say the probe unearthed a pattern of violations, including but not limited to unpaid/late payment of wages, hindrance of the investigation, failure to pay minimum wage, records violations, failure to pay earned sick leave, and failure to maintain records for earned sick leave.
“With restaurants across the country, Boston Market needs to set a better example for fair treatment of its workers,” said Joseph Petrecca, Assistant Commissioner of NJDOL’s Division of Wage and Hour and Contract Compliance. “Thanks to the Murphy Administration, NJDOL has the tools to carry out large-scale enforcement efforts within the state so we can work with employers to stop worker exploitation, create sustainable change, and prevent future violations.”
NJDOL investigators have found $607,471 in back wages owed to 314 workers, as well as $1,214,942 in liquidated damages. Boston Chicken of NJ was also assessed an administrative fee of $182,241.30 and $549,500 in administrative penalties, for a total of $2,554,154.30.
Below is the complete list of Boston Market locations that were issued a stop-work order:
491 Ridge Rd, North Arlington, NJ 07031
314 Essex Street, Lodi, NJ 07644
180 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07602
21-20 Broadway, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
321 Broad Street, Ridgefield, NJ 07657
20 Wycoff Avenue, Waldwick, NJ 07463
395 NJ-17, Mahwah, NJ 07430
175 Kinderkamack Road, Emerson, NJ 07630
275 Livingston Street, North Vale, NJ 07647
471 Central Avenue, East Orange, NJ 07018
247 NJ-10 East, Succasunna, NJ 07876
332 Route 10 West, East Hanover, NJ 07936
1160 US-46, Clifton, NJ 07013
1342 Clifton Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07012
523 Chestnut Street Union, NJ 07083
770 Route 33, Hamilton, NJ 08619
1729 N. Olden Avenue, Ewing Township, NJ 08638
300 Rt-18, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
878 US Rt. 1 North Bound, Edison, NJ 08817
1560 St. Georges Avenue, Avenel, NJ 07001
4159 US 9, Howell, NJ 07731
1103 Broad Street, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
900 Easton Avenue #165, Somerset, NJ 08873
514 High Street, Mt. Holly, NJ 08060
5716 Blackhorse Pike, Blackwood, NJ 08012
891 Hurffville Road, Woodbury, NJ 08096
301 S. Main Road, Vineland, NJ 08360
