Massachusetts Employment Law Blog

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…

Your Guide to Massachusetts New Employment Laws in 2026 A new year ushers in new laws, and 2026 is no different. As we ring in 2026, there are Massachusetts new employment laws that will go into effect. Employees need to be aware of them so that they receive what is legally theirs. It is also…

In today’s ever-changing job market, layoffs have become an unfortunate reality for many professionals. A layoff can be a distressing experience, with a lot of steps and a lotquestions. This blog aims to shed light on what a layoff entails, providing guidance on how to handle the situation, how to evaluate your severance and bounce…

If you’re a working woman, pregnancy brings extra challenges.  Do I tell my employer?  If so, when?  What will happen when I do?  Bringing a new life into the world is a joyous occasion, but for many women, the journey to motherhood is fraught with challenges. Unfortunately, one such challenge that some women face is…

Age discrimination is often thought of as something that affects older employees, but younger workers can also face bias in the workplace. In industries or roles where experience is highly valued, younger candidates may be overlooked despite their qualifications. If you believe you were denied a job solely because of your age, you may have…