Wages and Commissions

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 →

Employer Update: Dealing with Coronavirus Work Issues

As the response to the coronavirus moves on at warp speed, it’s hard to keep track of new developments. The one certainty is that small employers and their employees alike … more →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →