The list of characteristics protected by Massachusetts anti-discrimination laws has become a bit longer with the addition of “natural hairstyle” to long-standing items such as race, gender, disability, and color. … more
The federal government recently acted to permit employees who allege sexual assault or sexual harassment to avoid mandatory arbitration provisions in agreements they signed, regardless when they signed them, as … more
Reversing a years-long, widely accepted approach by employment attorneys and courts, Massachusetts’ highest court ruled early this month that, regardless of the reason or length of delay, employers must pay … more
With COVID threats dissipating but not yet gone, Massachusetts is moving toward enacting a law that would require employers to provide sick leave that is targeted to deal solely with … more
There is little question that effective vaccines and safety protocols have COVID-19 on the run in 2021, at least locally, and there is hope for eradicating the disease altogether. But … more
While it may not have been top of mind amid the COVID turmoil of 2020, the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (PFML) was not impacted by the pandemic … more
Once again, Massachusetts courts have refused to expand exceptions to the state’s general rule that employers can terminate employees whenever they see fit. This time, though, it was a closer … more
After months of negotiations, discussions, and hiccups, Congress finally passed and President Trump signed into law a new Covid-19 relief bill. Ongoing debates about additional required actions notwithstanding, the law … more
As 2020 closes with hope that the coronavirus will soon become a thing of the past, employers need to begin implementing Massachusetts’ new Paid Family and Medical Leave law (PFML). … more
With all the talk about vaccines lately, both those that already exist for influenza and others that may soon arrive in the battle against Covid-19, employers are asking a fundamental … more