Massachusetts Wage Act

Minimum Wage Now at $11 Per Hour

Effective January 1, 2017, the minimum wage for Massachusetts workers rose from $10 to $11 per hour. The new rate applies to almost all employees. For employees who regularly receive … more →

Legislator will Try Again to Impose Liability on Companies for Wage Violations by Entities they Contract With

After failing to pass what’s referred to as a wage theft bill in the recently ended legislative session, the bill’s sponsor is not giving up. According to published reports, Sen. … more →

Wage Act may not Require Pay for All Hours of Work

In a recent decision that some plaintiff-side employment lawyers found surprising and perhaps troubling, a judge of the superior court held that an employer does not need to pay for … more →

Massachusetts Attorney General Collects Pay Disparity Data from Employers

In apparent anticipation of proposed changes the state legislature is now considering making to the Massachusetts Equal Pay Act – or, perhaps, in an effort to help determine whether and … more →

Small Employer Forced to Pay more than $100,000 for Wage Violations

A local grocer is learning the hard way how important it is not only to properly pay employees under state wage laws but to keep good records demonstrating that it … more →

New Equal Pay Bill Makes Progress in State Legislature

A bill to replace Massachusetts’ aging equal pay law is making progress in the state legislature and may be heading for final approval. Late last week, a Senate committee produced … more →

Massachusetts Minimum Wage Now at $10/Hour

Effective January 1, 2016, the Massachusetts minimum wage was increased to $10/hour. The increase is part two of a three-part process that will increase the minimum wage to $11/hour on … more →

The Long Reach of the Wage Act

Employers need to be careful about a number of issues when dealing with their employees. Communicating policies clearly, enforcing rules consistently, and applying anti-discrimination rules appropriately are all on the … more →

Good Wage and Hour Records are Important to Business Success

Starting a business brings many challenges. Among them is the often overlooked need to create and retain records of employee hours and pay. Many small companies have found out the … more →

Federal Courts Bar Application of Independent Contractor Law to Courier Drivers

The federal court system in Massachusetts is taking a bite out of the state’s independent contractor statute. Beginning last Fall and continuing through last month, three otherwise valid class action … more →