FEDERAL JUDGE RULES AGAINST FULFILLMENT AMERICA

On June 3, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts delivered a significant ruling in favor of approximately 100 former employees of Fulfillment America, based in Billerica. The Court denied Fulfillment America's motion for summary judgment, marking a pivotal moment in the case.

This case presents legal questions regarding the application of the federal WARN Act and the Commonwealth's Wage Act in scenarios involving joint employers. Specifically, it addresses situations where a company claims it does not directly employ workers, instead pointing to an independent contractor or subsidiary, yet maintains sufficient control to be held accountable for wage violations.

The court's opinion is the District's first substantial analysis of the WARN Act's scope in several years. It underscores the importance of both the WARN Act and the Wage Act in safeguarding workers and their families. Attorneys Hillary Schwab and Oz Vazquez from Fair Work have collaborated with Justice at Work to champion this case.