Articles

Court Award of 3X Wage Damages to Former Employee is a Warning for Employers

In a decision that sounds a warning to employers, the Massachusetts Court of Appeals recently concluded that triple damages under the Wage Act may be awardable even to former employees. … more →

Minimum Wage Rates Set to Increase January 1, 2020

Massachusetts minimum wage rates are set to make their next jumps on January 1, 2020. Effective that day, all employees must be paid at least $12.75 per hour. Tipped employees … more →

Governor Seeks to Reverse Recent SJC Ruling on Overtime Pay

Governor Charlie Baker saw something he didn’t like in a recent decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, and he’s hoping to do something about it. In the wake of … more →

Tax Deductions under Massachusetts Family and Medical Leave Law become Mandatory on October 1, 2019

This Time, it appears the New Paid Leave Law will go into Effect as Planned. The three-month delay is about over, and this time it appears the new Massachusetts Family … more →

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 →