Boston, MA – The Commonwealth’s Attorney General, Andrea Joy Campbell, disclosed Friday that Northern Management Group LLC, the operator of more than 20 Dunkin’ franchises in the Greater Boston area, must repay 100 workers and face over $1 million in penalties for multiple labor‑law violations.
Violations and penalties
The Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division said prosecutors issued $1.46 million in citations against Northern Management Group, three of its managers, and two staffing agencies – D&J Services Group LLC and Prime Management Services Corp. – for illegal employee classification, late wage payments, and failure to compensate temporary workers for travel between stores.
Workers at the franchised locations were improperly labeled as independent contractors even though they performed duties such as store manager, shift leader, and baker. This misclassification stripped them of basic employee protections under Massachusetts law, including overtime, minimum‑wage guarantees, and workers’ compensation.
Late pay and travel reimbursements
In addition to the classification issue, the investigation found that employees routinely received paychecks after the legally required deadline and were not reimbursed for mileage incurred while traveling between franchise sites – both practices prohibited by state labor statutes.
“Workers deserve timely paychecks and the protections afforded to them under state law. Anything less is unacceptable,” Attorney General Campbell said in a statement. She urged any Massachusetts resident who believes their labor rights have been violated to file a complaint with the Fair Labor Division.
Impact on the local workforce
The restitution order will directly benefit the 100 affected employees, who will receive back‑pay for missed wages and compensation for travel expenses. The case also sends a clear message to other franchise operators and employers in the Commonwealth that the Attorney General’s office will enforce labor standards vigorously.
Local labor advocates have praised the action as a necessary step toward protecting the dignity of working families in the region. “When businesses try to sidestep the law, it’s the families who suffer,” said a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Labor Coalition. “Holding these franchisers accountable helps ensure that parents can rely on steady, lawful wages to support their households.”
Next steps
Northern Management Group has 30 days to submit a compliance plan outlining how it will correct its classification practices and ensure timely wage payments moving forward. The Attorney General’s office will monitor the implementation of that plan and may pursue additional penalties if the company fails to meet state requirements.
For workers who suspect similar violations at other Dunkin’ locations or at different businesses, the Fair Labor Division provides an online portal and a toll‑free hotline for filing complaints.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
