Estelle Jones, a dedicated registered nurse with over four decades of service, has faced a distressing predicament in her golden years of retirement. Picking up shifts through staffing agencies for long-term care facilities has been her way to stay active and supplement her income. However, a recent ordeal has shaken her trust in fairness.
Despite a consistent history of compensation, Estelle found herself grappling with an unthinkable situation. “I completed the assignment, everything. I have not been compensated for 120 hours,” expressed Estelle with a mixture of frustration and disbelief. The outstanding sum, exceeding $7,000 since March, was a result of her commitments to Rapid Response Staffing Agency in Canton. Her overnight shifts at a nursing home in Stoneham went unpaid, leaving her astounded and outraged.
A Seasoned Professional’s Struggle
Estelle’s unwavering commitment and steadfast professionalism came to a disheartening halt when her diligent efforts went unrewarded. “I’ve reached out to the agency in various ways – visiting their office, sending emails, and texting. The responses have been promises of rectification, but action has been sparse,” shared Estelle. Even an attempt to resolve the matter in person yielded no results. The agency’s office was unresponsive, and phone calls were met with a prerecorded message.
Unmasking the Culprit
Kettly Saint Fleur, a licensed practical nurse according to her LinkedIn profile, stands as the owner of Rapid Response Staffing Agency. The agency’s inaccessibility prompted the I-Team to investigate further, leading them to Saint Fleur’s home in Attleboro. However, the encounter took an unexpected turn, with the police being called to the scene. Saint Fleur’s only response was through a text message, which read, “Rapid Response has no comment at this time. We cannot comment on confidential employee matters.”
Solidarity Amidst Struggle
Estelle’s plight resonates with many of her colleagues who have also encountered difficulties in receiving their rightful compensation. A voicemail from a fellow coworker urging her to persistently email Saint Fleur for payment serves as a testament to the shared struggle. The ordeal has illuminated a concerning pattern of wage theft, a practice that Massachusetts authorities are eager to tackle.
In Pursuit of Justice
Efforts to expose the injustice reached the long-term care facility where Estelle rendered her services. They confirmed that they had fulfilled their part by paying Rapid Response Staffing Agency’s invoices. The responsibility for remunerating Estelle lay squarely with the agency.
Assistant Attorney General Lauren Moran emphasized the severity of wage theft, likening it to theft from one’s wallet. Massachusetts had previously been struck by the enormity of wage theft issues, leading to significant losses for workers and the state alike.
A Ray of Hope
The timely intervention of the I-Team sparked a glimmer of hope for Estelle. Just days after their inquiries, she received an email from Rapid Response, acknowledging discrepancies in her timesheets and depositing nearly $3,000 into her account. “I wouldn’t have gotten any of it if it wasn’t for you,” acknowledged Estelle, her gratitude palpable. The correspondence between Estelle and the agency resumed, with the prospect of the remaining owed amount becoming a possibility.
As Estelle continues her battle for rightful earnings, her tenacity stands as a beacon of resilience against wage theft’s shadows. The narrative sheds light on the broader issue of workers’ rights and underscores the necessity for justice in all professional spheres.