Updated at 10:45 p.m.
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey’s office said it will look into allegations of wage theft made by former employees of Iron Horse Entertainment Group, or IHEG.
This follows an NEPR report that included claims of shorted wages and benefits, as well as late paychecks.
Healey’s office said Wednesday it was aware of the allegations and is reaching out for more information.
While the AG’s office said it has not received any complaints against IHEG, it encouraged employees to contact its Fair Labor Division.
David Narkewicz is mayor of Northampton, where four IHEG venues are located as well as the company's box office.
Narkewicz said it’s not the city’s role to enforce compliance of state wage laws.
However, he said, “I would hope and encourage any employees that feel that their rights have been violated, that they will report them. And that the state will conduct an investigation.”
Northampton City Councilor At Large Bill Dwight reflected Narkewicz’s comments. He said if the AG verifies claims of wage theft, “there are consequences, and it would have to do with licensure.”
“And,” Dwight said, “that could obviously have a profound impact on the fortunes of Northampton.”
The owner of IHEG, Eric Suher, has not responded to NEPR's repeated requests for comment. But in a brief interview with The Republican, Suher denied the allegations.
