Massachusetts Employment Law, along with federal statutes, provides relief and protection for employees who are facing an act of retaliation from coworkers and/or employers. A claim must be filed with the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) or the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). However, it is important to make sure you have your facts straight before you make such a claim and take on your
According to a recent U.S. Census, about 20 percent of Americans have a disability. Many Americans with disabilities are talented workers who are valuable additions to the workplace. However, sometimes employers and coworkers fail to recognize the value people with disabilities can bring to the workplace. The Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”) is federal legislation designed to counteract this bias and protect the
What is a Whistleblower? A Whistleblower is a person who brings violations of the law to the attention of the appropriate enforcement authorities. But that’s risky, isn’t it? If you report that your employer is not following safety, reporting or other standards, he can just fire you, can’t he? As a society, we value whistleblowers. We need to have people willing to stand up
If you work in a company of 11 or more people, you are now entitled to paid sick leave. The law became effective on July 15, 2015, and it requires that you receive one hour of paid leave for every thirty hours worked. According to the statute, you may use this time for yourself, your spouse, child, parent or parent – in –law for issues
What Constitutes Wrongful Termination in Massachusetts depends on a few factors. One first should take note of the Federal Laws that have been put in place to protect America’s workforce from wrongful termination. Discrimination comes in many forms; namely, race, color, age, disability, religion, equal pay, sex or sexual harassment, and pregnancy. Be aware wrongful termination comes in many forms that are not limited solely
Additional Information: I’ve raised money for a large nonprofit organization in Shrewsbury, MA. The organization is owned by a private person. Now she has breached our contract and refuses to pay my commissions. We have a written contract and witnesses as well. What should I do? ATTORNEY ANSWER: Inasmuch as commissions are considered wages under the Massachusetts Wage Act, you should file a complaint with
Additional Information: I have been at my job here in Worcester for 4 years and am moving to Florida in a few months to work for a competitor company. I’d like to give a substantial notice so they can hire someone else and I can help get the new person trained but I’m afraid they will fire me and then I’ll be without a job
Additional Information: Is it legal for an employer to take an unauthorized deduction from an employee’s paycheck for damage done to company property? ATTORNEY ANSWER: No, an employer may not take any deduction for such damage, even if ostensibly authorized by the employee under the employer’s policies, unless there has been a court determination that the employee is responsible to the employer for the damage
Additional Information: Can my former employer terminate severance payments (salary continuation) if I gain employment prior to the severance term expiring? ATTORNEY ANSWER: There is no obligation in Massachusetts for employers to pay severance in most instances. The employer may unilaterally set the terms upon which it will pay severance, or the employer and employee may agree to the terms of the severance as part
Additional Information: In my original employment offer letter, I was offered travel reimbursement as part of my compensation. I have submitted my travel expenses but my employer hasn’t reimbursed me. Are employers in Massachusetts legally required to pay vehicle expenses that were offered in a written employment offer? ATTORNEY ANSWER: The employment offer and your acceptance of it form a contract binding upon the employer
