Massachusetts Employment Law Blog

Massachusetts has been out in front on this issue for decades. In 1989, it became just the second state in the country — after Wisconsin — to ban sexual orientation discrimination in both public

If you’ve searched for this exact phrase, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a boss who plays favorites, a coworker who won’t stop making snide comments, or a workplace culture that’s simply miserable.

Worksite Immigration Enforcement Intensifies Across the United States Federal immigration enforcement has reentered the workplace in a significant way. The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrest of seven current and former managers of IFCO Systems North America, Inc. as part of a renewed effort to crack down on employers accused of…

Starting a new job can be an exciting time, but it can also be stressful if you’re trying to negotiate a new contract. Employment agreements in Massachusetts are legally binding documents that dictate not only your current compensation but also your future career mobility and financial security. Before you sign on the dotted line, having…

To Vaccinate or not to vaccinate. Our office gets calls every day from workers with concerns.  The short answer is, yes, under most circumstances your employer can require vaccination.  Typically, the mandate must be job related and consistent with business necessity.  This can include a requirement that an individual “not pose a direct threat to…

Fourth Circuit Revives Race Discrimination Class Action Lawsuit A recent ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has revived a race discrimination class action lawsuit against a South Carolina employer. This decision reinforces key protections for employees and clarifies how courts should assess class certification in cases involving systemic workplace…

emporary warehouse workers in Nevada achieved an important legal victory regarding unpaid work time related to mandatory security screenings. The decision came from the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which ruled that certain security checks may qualify as compensable work time under federal wage laws. The case clarified when time spent…

Automatic Meal Break Deductions and Unpaid Work Time Many employers automatically deduct meal breaks from employees’ paychecks, regardless of whether the employee actually takes the break. While this practice may seem routine, it raises serious legal concerns—especially when employees are routinely required to work through those unpaid breaks. In some states, this conduct is not…

Leaving a job can be a stressful experience, but it can become even more frustrating if your employer fails to pay you your final wages. In Massachusetts, you have specific rights when it comes to receiving your last paycheck, even if you resigned voluntarily. If you haven’t received your final paycheck, you may be entitled…

Changes to a compensation plan can be frustrating and confusing, especially when they occur without clear communication or explanation. Whether it’s unexpected adjustments to your salary, commission structure, or bonuses, these changes can leave you feeling undervalued and uncertain about your financial stability. In Massachusetts, employers must follow specific rules and guidelines when modifying compensation…