Wages and Commissions

U.S. Dept. of Labor Proposes New Regulation on Independent Contractor Status

After first proposing to amend its regulation regarding independent contractor classification under federal law, then trying to rescind the proposal before being told by a Court it could not do … more →

Upcoming Juneteenth Holiday Means Retail Employers cannot Require Work, must Pay Premium Wages

As the newest of the nation’s holidays approaches this coming Sunday, to be recognized in Massachusetts on Monday, June 20, employers in retail businesses need to be sure they are … more →

SJC Rules that Employers are Liable for Triple Damages and Legal Fees For any Late Payment of Wages, Regardless of Reason

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 →

New Federal Regulation will Clarify when Employers can Pay the Tip Rate instead of Massachusetts’ Minimum Wage

The U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) is issuing new rules on when employers can pay their workers  less than the minimum hourly wage by using what’s called the tip credit. … more →

Navigating a Wage and Hour Audit

They can come from either of two governmental agencies, one federal and the other part of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office. Often, they occur simultaneously, with each agency focusing on … more →

The New Paid Family and Medical Leave Act: What’s an Employer to Do?

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 →

Minimum Hourly Pay Rate Is Now $13.50 Per Hour

With the new year came the latest in a series of hikes to the Massachusetts minimum wage. Effective January 1, 2021, the minimum pay rate reached $13.50 per hour on … more →

New Covid-19 Relief Bill Provides Important Benefits to Small Employers

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 →

Uber and Lyft Face Suit Over Treatment of Drivers as Independent Contractors Rather than Employees

The days of ride-share giants Uber and Lyft treating their drivers as independent contractors may be coming to an end in Massachusetts. At least, that is, if Attorney General Maura … more →

Congress Makes Forgivable Payroll Protection Plan Loans Easier to Spend

The persistence of the COVID-19 epidemic led Congress to amend the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help the many small businesses that have so far taken advantage of it. As … more →