Articles

Contributions under Family and Medical Leave Law Begin October 1, 2019

Massachusetts employers should again be gearing up to make deductions from their workers’ pay under the state’s new law on family and medical leave. Contributions begin on wages paid on … more →

Massachusetts Delays Start of Family and Medical Leave Law

After first saying it would not delay the new tax that will fund the Massachusetts Family and Medical Leave Law, the Massachusetts legislature reversed course late last week. Both the … more →

Deduction Requirements under the new Massachusetts Family and Medical Leave Law are Set to Begin July 1

A delay in implementing the new Massachusetts Family and Medical Leave Law appears unlikely now, and the first major step in that process is set to start on July 1. … more →

U.S. Supreme Court will Decide whether Federal Anti-Discrimination Law Protects Gay, Lesbian and Transgender Employees

Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has concluded gay marriage is a right protected by the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, it is opting to take up the questions … more →

Legislature Considers Extending Discrimination Filing Period to 6 Years, other MCAD Changes

Bills under consideration by the Massachusetts Legislature could bring one major change and other lesser ones to discrimination law in Massachusetts. Under a bill proposed by six senators, the filing … more →

Recent SJC Decision Demonstrates Big Downside for Employers who Misapply Massachusetts Wage Laws, even in Good Faith

In a case that demonstrates the travails that sometimes plague employers who believe, at least, they are complying with Massachusetts wage laws, the Supreme Judicial Court recently decided that an … more →

Court Ruling Illustrates the Dangers Presented by a Poorly Drafted Employment Manual

In a case that illustrates the dangers employers face from poorly drafted employment manuals and from manuals that give a too many rights to their employees, a U.S. District Court … more →

Massachusetts Family and Medical Leave Regulations Impose New Paperwork and Contribution Burdens on Employers

With implementation of a tax under the recently enacted Massachusetts Family and Medical Leave Act less than five months away, the newly formed Department of Family and Medical Leave has … more →

Massachusetts Should Enforce Noncompetition Agreements only in Local Courts

While it made progress last year on noncompetition issues, the Massachusetts Legislature didn’t get the job done in several areas. Shortcomings and a lack of clarity mean problems that plagued … more →

In Case You Didn’t Know: Minimum Wage in Massachusetts is Now $12/Hour

For those either too busy to hear the news last July, or maybe just too forgetful to recall it, the minimum wage in Massachusetts rose to $12/hour on January 1, … more →