Articles Posted in massachusetts

On October 1, 2018, the Non- Competition Agreement Act went into effect in Massachusetts.  This law applies to all noncompetition agreements (“agreements”) entered into by employers and employees or independent contractors in Massachusetts on or after October 1, 2018.  This new law does not apply to non-solicitation agreements, nondisclosure or confidentiality agreements, or invention assignment…

Philip Gordon Co-Chairs the panel on class actions at the 37th Annual Labor and Employment Law Spring Conference of Massachusetts Bar Association on May 6, 2016 (View Article)

Disputes between Boston area taxicab drivers and medallion owners came to a head as the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court issued a ruling in Sebago v. Boston Cab Dispatch. At the heart of the debate is the classification of these drivers as independent contractors, instead of employees. The Massachusetts Independent Contractor Statute Under the Massachusetts Independent Contractor…

The legislative debate continues on the necessity for noncompetition agreements under Massachusetts state law. On the one hand, noncompetition agreements severely limit workers from changing companies, often requiring individuals to leave the state or work elsewhere altogether. On the other hand, employers complain that they must keep their workers from joining competitors in order to…

The Massachusetts legislature recently gave workers a boost, with an increase in the state’s minimum wage. As of January 1, 2015, the wage increased to $9 per hour. The increases will continue over the next two years, reaching $10 per hour as of January 1, 2016 and $11 per hour as of January 1, 2017. Employees…

Massachusetts voters spoke up for workers’ rights when they approved a law requiring sick leave for employees in the private sector. As of July 1, 2015, virtually all employers must allow up to 40 hours per year of sick leave. Variations on the Sick Leave Law Under the law, employees may use their accumulated sick…

The Massachusetts legislature recently implemented legislation to assist victims of domestic violence with job protection when they require leave from work. The law applies to businesses employing 50 or more workers. It provides up to 15 days of leave during a 12 month period for employees who are victims of abusive behavior. The leave can be…

Massachusetts is set to revamp its existing noncompete laws and pass new legislation favorable to employees, as well as companies seeking to grow in Massachusetts. Philip Gordon spoke in front of Senators and Representatives about the proposed legislation, and the bill eventually passed in the Massachusetts Senate by 32 votes to 7. The proposed changes…

Two crucial pieces of proposed legislation will be decided by July 31st.  The proposals include a hike in the minimum wage to $11.00 and a ban on noncompete agreements. Both proposals are great news for employees. If the legislation for the new minimum wage passes, then by January 1, 2017 the minimum wage in Massachusetts…