In a compelling legal battle, an employee has taken a bold step to hold his former employer accountable for alleged wage violations and discriminatory practices. On December 31, 2025, Brandon Smalls filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against A&P Coat, Apron & Linen Supply LLC, doing business as Unitex Textile Rental Services. The lawsuit accuses the company of failing to pay overtime wages, retaliating against him for raising concerns about this issue, and discriminating against him based on race.
Brandon Smalls worked as an Administrative Assistant at Unitex’s facility in Mount Vernon, New York from 2012 until April 11, 2025. During his tenure, he claims that he regularly worked beyond his scheduled hours without receiving appropriate overtime compensation. According to Smalls, “Defendant knowingly failed to pay…overtime compensation at one and one-half times his regular rate for all hours worked over forty (40) in a workweek.” He also alleges that management was aware of these extra hours but manipulated time records to avoid paying due wages.
The complaint further details racial discrimination experienced by Smalls. He asserts that he was denied additional rest breaks afforded to non-Black colleagues and describes this as a violation of both federal and state human rights laws. “Mr. Smalls…was subjected to disparate treatment compared to non-Black employees,” the document states. In addition to unpaid wages and damages for emotional distress, Smalls seeks punitive damages due to what he describes as willful misconduct by his employer.
Smalls’s termination came shortly after he lodged formal complaints regarding these issues with HR Director Jenn Ciardullo and other company officials on April 3, 2025. Despite assurances from General Manager Len Zaccagnino that disciplinary actions were not intended to lead to termination, Smalls was dismissed just days later under allegations of insubordination—a move he believes was retaliatory.
The lawsuit seeks comprehensive relief including unpaid wages with liquidated damages under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and New York State Labor Law (NYSLL), compensatory damages for emotional distress caused by alleged retaliation and discrimination, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, costs incurred during litigation, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Brandon Smalls is Howard Schragin of Sapir Schragin PLLC located in White Plains, New York. The case has been assigned Case ID: 7:25-cv-10803 in front of judges at the Southern District Court of New York.
Source: 725cv10803_Brandon_Smalls_v_A&P_Coat_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
