Legal Question in Environmental Law in Massachusetts

I work at a paper compnay in Ma. Back in 2007 we purchasesd a machine that requires the mixing of about 10 different chemicals to create a special glue for paper laminating. Some of the chemicals are harmful to the enviorment. Workers at our plant were instructed to dump the excess or spent glue out behind the building , 500 gallons at a time ,,3 or 4 times a week. Management and the company's president were all aware of the harmful chemicals. Within a couple weeks somebody had called the E.P.A. and 2 inspectors showed up. Within minutes, there was to be no more dumping, Clean Harbors was called in , and the company started racking up fines.. The owner of our company decided it had to be employee's that called the E.P.A.. After some hefty fines and a 3 or 4 week clean up by Clean Harbors , the owner decided that all the employees should share the punishment , which came in the form of not contibuting to our profit sharing plan.. Instead of making the contribution's on a somewhat profitable year, he took what should have been invested, away from all employees to pay the fines and legal fees.. Is this legal, can all employees be punished without proof and even if there was proof that it was an employee. management knew it was wrong and instructed the employees to dump the glue . 1 worker even stated that he did not wan't to dump in the enviorment, but he was threatend with his job .. I am sure the E.P.A. report is a matter of public record but I am not sure how to get a hold of it . I would love for one of the local papers to get a hold of this story. I am a current 23 year employee and I just don't think the company handled it right . It has been bothering me for 2 + years now. The owner is highly respected in the community, but the public should also know the truth ..thank you ...An honest guy


Asked on 7/27/09, 6:27 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

henry lebensbaum Law Offices of Henry Lebensbaum (978-749-3606)

I assume that you are talking about taking away from your regular compensation. Such action is most likely a violation of the wage law, and you should contact the Attorney General's office and file a complaint. There is also a right of action to be reimbursed for wages wrongfully retained.

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Answered on 8/02/09, 7:00 pm


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