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Letitia James
New York State Attorney General
Alba Will Pay Restitution to More Than 700 Current and Former Employees, Implement Sweeping Reforms to End Retaliation and Abuse
October 21, 2025
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced a $1.5 million settlement with Alba Services, Inc., its owner Andrew Horan, and a network of related New York City construction and demolition companies (collectively, Alba) for repeatedly violating state workers’ compensation laws, retaliating against injured workers, and failing to address sexual harassment in the workplace. A wide-ranging investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) uncovered unlawful practices dating back nearly a decade and impacting more than 700 workers. Under the terms of the settlement, Alba must pay $1.4 million in restitution to current and former Alba employees and adopt sweeping reforms to comply with New York’s labor and human rights laws. In addition, Alba must pay $100,000 for a settlement administrator.
“For nearly a decade, Alba silenced injured workers, manipulated insurance costs, and allowed a culture of harassment to fester on its worksites,” said Attorney General James. “Today, I am proud to deliver $1.4 million to workers harmed by this misconduct. We have made sure that Alba can no longer threaten, intimidate, or exploit its workforce. My office will never allow companies to cheat workers out of their rights or create hostile workplaces that endanger their safety and dignity.”
The OAG launched an investigation in 2022 after a referral from Construction & General Building Laborers’ Local 79. Following a review of more than 60,000 pages of documents and dozens of witness interviews, OAG found that between 2016 and 2024, Alba failed to report hundreds of workplace injuries to the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) as required by law and explicitly instructed employees not to file eligible claims. Of the injuries Alba was legally required to report, OAG determined that the company reported less than half. By keeping claims artificially low, Alba reduced its insurance costs and gained an unfair advantage over competitors.
Alba retaliated against employees who sought to file claims through harassment, threats, and financial incentives to stay silent. On at least two occasions, the company posted flyers publicly naming workers who had filed claims, accusing them of fraud and offering $5,000 for information leading to their arrests. Andrew Horan would also send text messages to his foremen unlawfully exposing the workers’ names and offering cash rewards for information about them. The OAG documented at least 60 instances in which Alba unlawfully disclosed workers’ names.
The investigation further revealed that Alba would sometimes interfere with medical treatment by sending company representatives to accompany injured workers to urgent care centers or hospitals and misrepresent how and where the injury occurred. Alba directed its workers to specific clinics it had agreements with to conceal workplace injuries and block workers’ compensation claims. In some cases, the company steered employees with serious injuries to their preferred urgent care clinics, despite the employee truly needing emergency room care.
In addition, OAG found that Alba failed to prevent sexual harassment and retaliated against employees who reported misconduct. At least two workers described repeated harassment by a foreman who sent inappropriate messages, made unwanted comments on their appearance, and engaged in physical contact. When the women rejected his advances, the foreman retaliated by assigning them to more grueling work. The harassment created a hostile environment for the targeted employees and contributed to a culture in which male colleagues bullied or ridiculed women seen as associated with the foreman. When one worker attempted to report the harassment, her hours were cut until she was ultimately removed from the schedule. As part of today’s settlement, Alba is required to terminate the foreman’s employment and adopt comprehensive anti-harassment policies and training to ensure workers are protected in the future.
Alba’s misconduct disproportionately harmed immigrant and non-union workers, many of whom reported intimidation and fear of retaliation when injured. By suppressing claims and discouraging employees from seeking benefits, Alba both cheated its workers and manipulated insurance premiums to cut costs.
As a result of the investigation, Attorney General James is requiring Alba to pay $1.4 million in restitution to the more than 700 employees injured between 2016 and 2024. Alba will pay an additional $100,000 for an independent settlement administrator. Eligible workers will be able to file claims through the settlement administrator. The fund will provide meaningful compensation to individuals who may have lost wages, faced medical expenses, had delayed medical treatment, been deterred from filing a workers’ compensation claim, or endured retaliation after workplace injuries. Any funds not used for administration will be redirected to maximize payments to affected workers, ensuring that every possible dollar goes to the workers Alba harmed.
Alba must also change its business practices to end these abuses. The company is required to accurately report all workplace injuries, stop retaliating against injured workers, and end interference with medical treatment or claims. It must establish and enforce robust sexual harassment prevention policies, conduct mandatory biannual trainings in English, Spanish, and Russian, and submit to three years of oversight by OAG, with the option to extend monitoring to six years if violations persist. Alba must also file biannual reports to OAG documenting compliance with workers’ compensation and human rights laws.
“Alba Services and their family of companies played the system for years while hard-working demolition workers struggled,” said Anthony Vita, Business Manager, Construction and General Building Laborers Local 79. “This settlement isn’t just about Alba, it is about non-union workers throughout the City who suffer under similar circumstances. This is an important step in leveling the playing field for responsible contractors. We appreciate Attorney General Letitia James' commitment to justice for all workers and thank her team for their hard work.”
“This settlement makes one thing clear: no employer is above the law. Exploiting and retaliating against workers will never be tolerated in New York,” said Brendan Griffith, President of the NYC Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. “We commend Attorney General Letitia James for her fearless commitment to justice and thank our brothers and sisters at Local 79 for bringing these abuses to light. Nearly a thousand workers were silenced and mistreated, and today they are seen, heard, and vindicated. Accountability like this reminds every employer that when you harm workers, you answer to all of us.”
“Too often, unscrupulous contractors undermine the system and take advantage of vulnerable workers who are simply trying to support their families and pursue the middle class. And many times, they face little to no consequences for these transgressions,” said Gary LaBarbera, President of the New York State Building Trades. “But today represents an instance of accountability and justice for hundreds of tradesmen and tradeswomen harmed by Alba's misconduct. We applaud Attorney General James for standing up for these workers and setting a precedent that abusive business practices will not be tolerated. All hardworking New Yorkers deserve to pursue their careers in a dignified and safe environment that equips them to not only make ends meet but lead fulfilling lives.”
“For years I struggled working for Alba services, I didn’t think there was a place to turn,” said a former Alba employee. “Today, Attorney General James sent a message that demolitionistas deserve justice.”
“I want to thank Attorney General Letitia James for standing up for us,” said a former Alba employee. “Not just for me but for all the workers left at Alba who now know that rights will be protected."
Attorney General James encourages New Yorkers who believe they have been victims of labor law violations or workplace sexual harassment to contact the OAG by filing a confidential complaint online or calling (212) 416-8700.
The OAG thanks the Workers’ Compensation Board for its assistance in the investigation.
This case is the latest in Attorney General James’ efforts to combat exploitative labor practices. In July, Attorney General James secured $148,000 for union workers denied paid sick leave, and in June, Attorney General James delivered $400,000 to underpaid New York City school security guards. In May, Attorney General James secured over $660,000 for health care workers who were recruited from abroad and coerced into exploitative contracts. In March, Attorney General James secured $750,000 and critical reforms to address sexual harassment and discrimination at Con Ed. In February, Attorney General James secured $16.75 million from DoorDash for cheating its delivery workers out of tips, and in January, Attorney General James recovered $1.1 million for Rikers Island cleaners cheated out of fair pay. In December 2024, Attorney General James recovered $4 million in withheld tips for former Drizly alcohol delivery workers. In September 2024, Attorney General James secured $17 million from two home health agencies for cheating its workers in a landmark wage parity agreement and returned $750,000 in stolen wages to employees of cell phone company Best Wireless. In November 2023, Attorney General James recovered $328 million for Uber and Lyft drivers whose earnings were shortchanged for years.
This matter was handled by Assistant Attorneys General Donya Fernandez and Abigail Ramos, Workers’ Compensation Section Chief Alison Kent Friedman, Social Justice Coordinator Francisca Montana, and Auditor Investigator Erica Ciccarelli, under the supervision of Labor Bureau Chief Karen Cacace and Deputy Bureau Chief Young Lee. The Labor Bureau is a part of the Division for Social Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.
Letitia James
New York State Attorney
Copyright © 2025 — Office of the New York State Attorney General. All Rights
Free Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
Big gigantic boxing event coming up at one of the biggest and best casinos in the world, Mohegan Sun Casino Saturday November 1st! Where some of the biggest boxing events in history have been held. Tickets are going fast, let us know if you have any interest and we will be sure to take care of you. We also ask if you can share and post the poster for the event. Thanks for your continuous support!
GodBless
Jimmy B
The card is stacked from top to bottom!
Filled with the best fighters in the world and the Top Boxing Talent out of Connecticut at one of the biggest and best casinos in the world. Mohegan Sun Casino
CT Men’s Conference Family,
Wow‼️ We’re officially making history together. The 1st Annual CT Men’s Conference is coming to life — and it’s already shaping up to be something special.
A small selection committee recently met to review the 29 incredible workshop applications we received. After thoughtful consideration, we’re proud to share that this year’s conference will feature:
✅ 7 transformative workshops
✅ 1 powerful demonstration
✅ 7 dynamic presentations
…and that’s just the beginning.
Each session was chosen to uplift, educate, and empower our community — focusing on health, wealth, fatherhood, and civic power. This event is about real talk, real solutions, and real connections.
Now we need your help spreading the word!
Please share and repost the Pre-Registration Flyer everywhere — text it, post it, tag it, and invite others to be part of this movement. The more people we reach, the more lives we can touch.
The next Mill River District meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 29th at 6pm at Conte West Hills Magnet School. Please see the meeting flyer below and feel free to share with friends, neighbors, and anyone interested in helping shape the future of the Mill River District including the development of Ball Island into a public park!
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today joined Governor Bob Ferguson (WA), Governor Josh Green (HI), Governor Maura Healey (MA), Governor Kathy Hochul (NY), Governor Tina Kotek (OR), Governor Lou Leon Guerrero (GU), Governor Dan McKee (RI), Governor Matt Meyer (DE), Governor Wes Moore (MD), Governor Phil Murphy (NJ), Governor Gavin Newsom (CA), Governor Jared Polis (CO), Governor JB Pritzker (IL) and Governor Josh Stein (NC) to announce the launch of the Governors Public Health Alliance, a new coalition of governors designed to protect the health of people across the U.S.
“Connecticut is proud to join an alliance that strengthens our collaboration with other states and protects the health and wellbeing of our residents, while preparing against future threats,” Governor Lamont said. “Whether it was during the COVID pandemic or any other public health crisis, it’s important for governors to speak with one voice and communicate clearly with our communities to keep them safe. Once again states are stepping up, amid federal uncertainty, to ensure our residents have the information they need to stay protected.”
The Governors Public Health Alliance will serve as a nonpartisan coordinating hub for governors and their public health leaders, supporting governors and their states in coordinating and collaborating to protect the public’s health by facilitating data sharing and communication about health threat detection, emergency preparedness and response, public health guidance and policy, and deployment of experts.
It also facilitates national coordination on public health at the gubernatorial level — complementing existing mechanisms and interfacing with entities across the county. This includes the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, of which Connecticut is a member, and assists state public health laboratories in sharing resources and expertise to strengthen regional readiness.
The Governors Public Health Alliance is supported by the Governors Action Alliance (GovAct), a nonprofit, nonpartisan initiative that supports governors in protecting fundamental freedoms, including public health. The Alliance is advised by leading public health experts, including former CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen; former Alaska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink; and Dr. Raj Panjabi, former White House Senior Director for Global Health Security and Biodefense. As an initiative of GovAct, the Alliance will also be advised by GovAct’s Bipartisan Advisory Board of former governors and former senior federal officials.
“With many health threats at our doorstep, collaboration and communication between governors is essential to protect the health of families and save lives,” former CDC Director and former North Carolina Secretary for Health and Human Services Dr. Mandy Cohen said. “This alliance creates the framework to support the national coordination needed to safeguard communities.”
“Governors are being asked to do more with less — daily. And yet the challenges keep growing,” Julia Spiegel, founder and CEO of GovAct, said. “GovAct is here to help bring capacity, expertise, and know-how so that governors have the tools they need to act decisively, together, to protect the health and well-being of their people.”
Participating states have already begun sharing best practices, receiving briefings from public health experts, and coordinating on executive actions governors can take to strengthen public health protections, including standing orders or directives to preserve access to COVID-19 vaccines.
The Alliance will continue to provide governors and their teams with toolkits and timely briefings on major policy developments in public health, share coordinated strategies ahead of high-profile events, and offer opportunities to discuss health security issues.
The Alliance’s website will soon be available at www.govsforhealth.org.
CES Boxing and Granite Chin Promotions team up on Saturday, November 15 to present Boston Harbor Fight Night from Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, MA.
CHARLIE LOGRASSO 
JUAN ZAPATA
JUAN ZAPATAThis November 15th, the ring becomes the ultimate battleground. 
Both fighters are ready. Only one will leave victorious. Be there to witness every moment!
MAAFA INFLUENCE PRODUCTION 2025: "ECHOES OF THE UNTOLD" RETURNS TO BRIDGEPORT
New Generation of Directors, Who Began as Child Performers, Lead This Year's Powerful Theatrical Event
BRIDGEPORT, CT [October 15, 2025] – Mount Aery Baptist Church will host its monumental annual cultural event, the MAAFA Influence Production 2025: Echoes of The Untold, for one night only on Saturday, November 1st, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
This year's production marks a significant milestone as it is Written & Directed by a new generation of leaders: Jazmin JeanBaptiste, Shanice Maxwell, and Tiffany Williams-Blackwell. In a powerful testament to the production’s legacy, these dynamic directors first performed in the MAAFA production as children when they were just 10 years old! They are now stepping forward to ensure this essential history continues to resonate with new audiences.
The production is the centerpiece of Mount Aery Baptist Church's 20+ year journey to ensure the stories of our history, the spiritual and cultural experience of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, and the African diaspora will never be erased. The church is deeply committed to using this sacred psychodrama as a means of remembrance, healing, and cultural preservation.
Mount Aery Baptist Church and The Veronica Douglas Media Agency encourage the community and media to join in this powerful experience. "We are asking: Are you ready for an experience that will move your soul, ignite your spirit, and connect you to OUR powerful history that CANNOT be erased?"
Echoes of The Untold is more than a performance; it is an emotional, compelling journey that celebrates the resilience, strength, and triumph of our ancestors through dynamic storytelling, powerful dance, and soul-stirring music.
EVENT AND MEDIA DETAILS
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Detail
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What:
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MAAFA Influence Production 2025: Echoes of The Untold
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When:
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Saturday, November 1st, 2025 at 7:00 PM
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Where:
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Mount Aery Baptist Church
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Tickets:
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Available now on Eventbrite or by calling 203.334.2757
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Theme:
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Celebrating our ancestors and connecting to a history that cannot be erased. Don't just hear the Echoes—Feel them!
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Media Contact:
Veronica Douglas-Givan, M.S. (she/her/ella)
The Veronica Douglas Media Agency
Office: (203) 887.6452
(In support of the MAAFA Influence Production)
"When someone shows you who they are the first time, believe them." Maya and Me! *V*
Click Here Download your copy here Flip book
Dear Community Members,
This first CT Men’s Conference is a historical gathering. It is more than a meeting; it is a movement. We are
calling on community leaders, educators, fathers, mentors, and advocates to help shape this moment by leading
workshops that not only spark conversation but also deliver clear actions and solutions that participants can
take home and apply immediately.
You can submit your workshop outline using this app �� App Link.
We are seeking dynamic, interactive proposals in these areas:
Education Engagement – How can parents and community members be fully engaged in our children’s
education? We need workshops that provide practical tools for supporting literacy at home, advocating
for school resources, mentoring youth, and participating in decision-making spaces. Attendees should
leave knowing exactly how they can take immediate steps to strengthen education in their families and
neighborhoods.
Urban Preparedness & Emergency Response – Our communities must be ready for both natural and
human-made crises. We need sessions that teach step-by-step readiness strategies: assembling go-bags,
learning CPR, understanding evacuation routes, and building neighborhood response teams. Equally
important are self-defense and defensive strategies for families — equipping men and women with
real skills to protect their loved ones. Participants should leave prepared to create a family safety plan
that same week.
Co-Parenting & Single Dad Support – Fathers are leading in powerful but often overlooked ways.
These workshops should provide concrete communication strategies, legal navigation tips, and practical
methods for balancing single fatherhood while fostering stable, nurturing environments. Attendees
should leave with resources and strategies they can begin using with their families immediately.
Civic Engagement & Civic Access – Civic engagement must move beyond voter registration. We need
workshops that teach how to run for office, serve on boards, advocate for policy change, and access
government programs. Attendees should leave knowing the next civic action they will take — whether it
is attending a town hall, signing up for a board, or organizing neighbors for a campaign.
Technology Training – In today’s world, technology is survival. We are seeking workshops that help
participants gain hands-on skills in areas such as using smartphones more effectively, understanding AI,
protecting digital privacy, building online businesses, or navigating virtual learning platforms. Attendees
should leave empowered to use technology to advance their personal, family, and community goals.
Creative Digital Communications – Our stories and messages must reach the world. We are calling for
workshops that teach creative strategies for social media, podcasting, digital storytelling, video creation,
and community campaigns. These sessions should show attendees how to use digital platforms to
amplify voices, organize movements, promote businesses, and build cultural pride. Participants should
walk away with practical steps to launch or strengthen their own digital presence.
�� Submission App Link: https://qrco.de/bgBkCp
�� Please submit your workshop outline by September 30 using the app link above.
This is a historic moment. The CT Men’s Conference will be remembered as the time when we gathered not
only to talk but to act, leaving with tools and plans that transform our families, our communities, and our future.
Your leadership will make that possible.
With Respect,
[Insert your name]
Kirti Patel
Veteran Manufacturing Executive and Entrepreneur To Lead Statewide Efforts To Grow and Strengthen Connecticut’s Manufacturing Sector
Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is appointing Kirti Patel to serve as Connecticut’s chief manufacturing officer, a key leadership role focused on driving growth and innovation in the state’s manufacturing sector.
“Manufacturing continues to be the backbone of Connecticut’s economy, driving innovation, exports, and good-paying careers for our residents,” Governor Lamont said. “Kirti brings decades of global experience in manufacturing, product development, and business leadership. He has led companies through complex transformations, expanded product lines that serve critical industries, and built trusted relationships across stakeholders. I am confident that his vision and leadership will strengthen our manufacturing sector and ensure Connecticut remains at the forefront of advanced manufacturing.”
“Mr. Patel brings not only deep experience in advanced manufacturing but also a strong record of building partnerships and driving innovation,” Daniel O’Keefe, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, said. “Connecticut’s manufacturers are competing on a global stage, and his leadership will help ensure they have the tools, talent, and opportunities they need to grow. I look forward to working with him to strengthen collaboration across industry, education, and government so that manufacturing in Connecticut continues to thrive for decades to come.”
Patel brings more than 25 years of international leadership experience across the life sciences, healthcare imaging, medical devices, and semiconductors. He most recently served as president and board director of Eppendorf Manufacturing Corporation in Enfield, where he oversaw North American manufacturing operations and also led the global Bioprocess Technology Division of Germany-based Eppendorf SE, a global leader in life sciences instrumentation. Under his leadership, the company launched multiple new product lines, achieved nearly 90% growth between 2014 and 2022, and completed a $20 million facilities renovation and manufacturing expansion in Connecticut.
Before Eppendorf, Patel co-founded Sensant Corporation, a medical device start-up that pioneered breakthrough 3D ultrasound imaging technology and was acquired by Siemens Healthcare. At Siemens, he went on to lead the global preclinical imaging division, improving profitability and growing market share worldwide. He began his career at Intel Corporation, where he worked on semiconductor lithography technology and advanced manufacturing process development, giving him hands-on and leadership experience in high-tech production environments.
In addition to his corporate leadership, Patel serves as board president of Simsbury – A Better Chance, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing the number of well-educated minority students who graduate from college and assume leadership roles in their careers. He also advises technology start-ups through Yale Ventures and the University of Connecticut’s Technology Incubation Program, helping transform groundbreaking research into successful businesses.
“I am honored to be appointed by Governor Lamont to serve as Connecticut’s chief manufacturing officer,” Patel said. “Connecticut has a world-class workforce, innovative companies, and strong educational partners. I look forward to working with manufacturers across the state to strengthen collaboration, build capacity, and ensure our sector remains globally competitive.”
Patel will begin serving in the position on September 15, 2025. The office is based within the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. Patel succeeds Paul Lavoie, who had served in the role since 2022.
Patel holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Business, an MS in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, an MS in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Davis, and a BS in Chemical Engineering from Mangalore University in India.
Winter on the Green 2025-2026
Presented by: The Committee of the Proprietors of the New Haven Green
Location: The New Haven Green
The Committee of the Proprietors of the New Haven Green is excited to announce its Winter on
the Green seasonal celebration, bringing the community together with festive activities, live
music, rides, games, and family-friendly attractions. Join us for a series of events designed to
celebrate the season, connect the community, and enjoy the beauty of the historic Green.
Schedule of Events:
Movies on the Green
● September 27, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Outdoor screening of Soul by Disney Pixar
Movies on the Green
● October 31, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Outdoor screening of Beetlejuice
City of New Haven Tree Lighting Presented by the City of New Haven’s Departments of
Arts, Culture and Tourism and Parks, Recreation and Trees
● December 1, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
The spectacular annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
New Year, New Haven 2026
● January 1, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Celebrate the new year with rides, live music, games, and attractions for all ages
