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MA Employment Law (Workplace/Coworkers) Questions and Answers

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TopicRepliesCreatedLast replysort icon
Discrimination against employee's wife in MA?
I work in Massachusetts and have a wife who is American but was born in China. My idiot of a boss thinks it's funny to ask me questions like "how is ...
1 1 year 45 weeks ago
by Anonymous
1 year 45 weeks ago
by The Editor
Lunch Requirements for meal break....
I have recently been told by my employer that even if i choose to work without taking a 30 minute lunch i would still have to punch out for 30 mins. b...
1 1 year 46 weeks ago
by JustLa
1 year 46 weeks ago
by The Editor
Is Employer in compliance with MMLA and FMLA under these conditions?
Employee gives birth during the 10th month of employment at given company. The company grants employee the 8 weeks of maternity leave per MMLA orders....
0 1 year 47 weeks ago
by annawantstoknow
n/a
Payment for all hours worked and shown on time sheet
I work at a convenience store in Massachusetts that uses a card swipe system, like a modern time card. I usually get about 25 to 30 hours per week as...
1 1 year 47 weeks ago
by Irked
1 year 47 weeks ago
by The Editor
Treatment at work after extended medical leave
I recently returned to work after a 2 month leave for a herniated disc. My first day back at work, one of the first things my supervisor said was-'I a...
1 1 year 48 weeks ago
by Kitty133
1 year 48 weeks ago
by The Editor
Can employer in MA refuse to hire someone because they smoke?
I was all set to apply to a hospital in Massachusetts for a job and was then told that smokers cannot get hired there. Is that legal? Isn't that dis...
1 1 year 49 weeks ago
by Working
1 year 49 weeks ago
by The Editor
Company owner hacked into an employees Facebook account
She did NOT have permission to go in this Facebook page. She found a private message posted by me and used this to fire me. She says that I was spread...
0 1 year 49 weeks ago
by Anonymous
n/a
Minimum wage in Massachusetts for tipped employees
I'm looking for a summer job and have only one offer so far from a restaurant. I don't think this is considered a high-priced or fancy restaurant so ...
1 1 year 50 weeks ago
by WendyBrat
1 year 50 weeks ago
by The Editor
Statute of limitations, damages & comp time
Three questions: 1) What is the statute of limitations for an employer to pursue wage overpayment? 2) Massachusetts Wage Act says when fired, ...
0 1 year 51 weeks ago
by shandos
n/a
Age discrimination in Massachusetts hard to prove?
I was laid off from my job last month and I've been stewing on it ever since. I feel like, based on the way things have been going that they're just ...
1 1 year 52 weeks ago
by FerdT
1 year 52 weeks ago
by The Editor
Appeal in superior court, commonwealth of mass was the employer.
Question about superior court appeal. I have filed an appeal in superior court, I’m the plaintiff, and the defendant which is the commonwealth of ma...
1 2 years 1 week ago
by Mike76
2 years 1 week ago
by The Editor
Forced Exercise At Work
I work for a large athletic corporation located in MA. Recently they have adapted a new fitness program/regimen that are rolling out to the public, wh...
0 2 years 1 week ago
by anonymous2011
n/a
PTO that doesn't accrue doesn't get payed out on termination?
I've been laid off and will be told that I will not be paid for my PTO because of the PTO policy(see bellow). Is this legal in Massachusetts because...
0 2 years 1 week ago
by virtualdogbert
n/a
Paycheck Deductions
If I owe my employer monies for merchandise can you make deductions from my paycheck with out my knowledge? Also, after I told him that he can't dedeu...
1 2 years 2 weeks ago
by roosrock
2 years 2 weeks ago
by The Editor
Unauthorized Deductions from paycheck for damaged employer property
Is it legal for an employer to take an unauthorized deduction from an employee's paycheck for damage done to company property?
2 3 years 31 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 2 weeks ago
by admin
Restricted to building
Due to the nature of my profession ( High Pressure Boiler Operation ) I am restricted to the inside of a building per MGL 146 Sec 46 and cannot go out...
0 2 years 2 weeks ago
by Anonymous
n/a
Smoking at workplace in MA
I work for a courier company that has garage doors. The employees and managers stand at these doors and smoke. All smoke is coming into the bldg. What...
1 2 years 2 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 2 weeks ago
by admin
lay offs
Is it right that an employee lays someone off then doesn't ask the lay-off if he wants his job back then hires someone for the same exact job?
1 2 years 2 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 2 weeks ago
by The Editor
Work schedule after maternity leave
I have recently gone back to work after taking maternity leave. Before I went on leave, I created a new work schedule with my manager for when I retur...
1 2 years 3 weeks ago
by 33catches
2 years 3 weeks ago
by Jack
Sexual harassment
When applying for unemployment benefits, what do I write down as the reason for termination if I've been unjustly accused of sexual harassment? My bos...
3 2 years 4 weeks ago
by Logan123
2 years 4 weeks ago
by admin
Meal breaks in MA
What is the current law on break periods and meal periods in Mass? Having a battle with my boss about it. Also, can my boss invent a game to play in w...
1 2 years 4 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 4 weeks ago
by The Editor
Uniform requirements for employee
If my employer requires me to wear a uniform to work, and the uniform is a rental, am I, as the employee obligated to pay for this service, or is this...
2 2 years 5 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 5 weeks ago
by TomTom73
Parking meters and employees paying work related expenses
I am an electrician in the metro Boston region. I work out of my own vehicle and am required by my employer to pay for parking @ parking meters. Is th...
1 2 years 5 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 5 weeks ago
by The Editor
Over-time compensation
I was hired as Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools and the Recording Secretary for the School Committee. I work a 40 hour w...
0 2 years 5 weeks ago
by Admin Asst
n/a
Paid vacation for 100% commission employee who leaves
I just read that an employer must pay an employee for accrued vacation time when they leave the company. My question is, does that apply to an employe...
2 3 years 6 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 6 weeks ago
by spence335
harassment by general manager
I recently had a verbal altercation with a fellow coworkers that also happens to be the general managers son. The son complained to his dad which led ...
0 2 years 6 weeks ago
by Anonymous
n/a
Can employer do credit checks on job applicants in MA?
I'm trying to find a job in what is, as you know, a bad job market. I have a feeling it's even harder for me because of some bad decisions I made wit...
1 2 years 6 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 6 weeks ago
by The Editor
How will a separation agreement affect an employee named in a lawsuit against the former employer?
I was laid off two weeks ago and offered 2 weeks severance if I signed what "appears" to be a basic separation agreement. While I have no intention o...
1 2 years 7 weeks ago
by worriedtoo
2 years 6 weeks ago
by The Editor
harassment at work
My mom works for a large insurance company and has announced that she would like to retire later this year. Since this she has noticed that they are c...
1 2 years 7 weeks ago
by hea_66
2 years 7 weeks ago
by The Editor
Employment Law Re: Layoff vs Termination
Last fall two colleagues were laid off and offered severence packages because the their skills did not correspond with departmental needs. During my r...
0 2 years 8 weeks ago
by tobetoobe
n/a
Position was eliminated, but I was not given a new title?
Back in August, my position as an Inside Sales rep was eliminated and I was moved over to the marketing department. I was never given a new title and ...
1 2 years 8 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 8 weeks ago
by Jack
Gross Misrepresentation in hiring practice
I own my business, and interacted for almost a year with a large corporation to hire me and my employees, taking over my business (not buying it) and ...
1 2 years 8 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 8 weeks ago
by The Editor
Offered full-time position, signed contract, offer pulled
I have been out of work for nearly a year, and as such have looked for pretty much any job. I recently was put in touch with a security/concierge com...
1 2 years 9 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 8 weeks ago
by The Editor
Applied for unemployment, Lost company's cash. Can I collect
I work in industrial commercial supplies and ran the branch for my company. We dealt with large sums of money on a daily basis. Tens of ...
0 2 years 8 weeks ago
by Yellowjeep
n/a
On Call questions
Hello, I work for an educational institution and my job requires me to be in a on call rotation. I understand and abide with this requirement. My...
1 2 years 10 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 10 weeks ago
by The Editor
Residential (or even Commercial) Rental/Leasing Agencies and Independent Contractor Law
Are rental/leasing agencies exempt from the MA independent contractor law? I've been a leasing agent for 2 different agencies and I see the same issue...
0 2 years 10 weeks ago
by thereoughttobealaw
n/a
Breaking employment contract - what can/will they do to me?
Hello, I work in the IT department of a school in the Greater Boston area (Wakefield to be exact). As part of my terms of employment, I have to sig...
1 2 years 11 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 11 weeks ago
by Jack
Withholding pay for one pay cycle on overtime and holiday compensation
I am a public employee and my municipal employer does not pay us for overtime wages and holiday compensation within the applicable time period; we hav...
0 2 years 11 weeks ago
by ninahaskell
n/a
unemployment claim still pending. whats taking so long?
I filed for unemployment 2 months ago and they say its still pending. I call each week like I'm suppose to. They said that my employer put that im sti...
1 2 years 12 weeks ago
by asia80
2 years 12 weeks ago
by The Editor
Can I get unemployment benefits in Massachusetts with a severance package?
Was laid off last month and am currently receiving severance pay that will continue for another three months. Can I get unemployment insurance from M...
2 2 years 13 weeks ago
by Shreck
2 years 13 weeks ago
by The Editor
Does Massachusetts law require severance pay or packages?
I was laid off last week by a manufacturing company in Massachusetts. As a severance package they offered me two weeks pay and I think that's not rig...
1 2 years 15 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 15 weeks ago
by The Editor
non payment of correct wages
I really hope somebody can help me. I took a job 3 years ago with a base salary of $37,500 (I have an employment contract stating my base salary is t...
1 2 years 16 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 16 weeks ago
by The Editor
Non sexual remarks as sex harassment in MA?
This is, I guess, sort of an odd question. But I was wondering if it is possible to sue a manager or supervisor for sexual harassment for comments or...
1 2 years 17 weeks ago
by Concerned1
2 years 17 weeks ago
by The Editor
Vacation used but not paid?
Hourly employee used earned vacation time, but was subsequently not paid for that time. Is there a procedure to follow, or is the employer allowed to ...
1 2 years 18 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 18 weeks ago
by The Editor
Employer Responsibilities for Employee Benefits
I'm getting ready to hire my first employee and I am wondering if there is a website or telephone number to call to see if there is a booklet that out...
1 2 years 18 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 18 weeks ago
by The Editor
wage deduction same work hours
can an employer cut your pay but still expect you to work the same hours
0 2 years 19 weeks ago
by cmd1dc
n/a
Negative reports in my employee file
I recently had an argument with my supervisor about a job he asked me to do and things got a little heated. I later learned from another party, not m...
1 2 years 19 weeks ago
by Walkman
2 years 19 weeks ago
by The Editor
No compete contract
We have a no compete contract set up for individuals who rent space from us. In it states if they leave or get fired, they cannot solicit clients via ...
0 2 years 21 weeks ago
by skye
n/a
Can employers read employee emails?
I read an article last week where they claimed that almost 40% or employers have staff read or monitor or read employee email. That seems crazy. But...
1 2 years 21 weeks ago
by GBelton
2 years 21 weeks ago
by The Editor
Error in Finance That Will Lead to $0 Paychecks
I just found out that I won't be receiving a paycheck for my next three weeks of work because there was an error in the financial department. Classes...
2 2 years 22 weeks ago
by i_have_questions
2 years 22 weeks ago
by i_have_questions
Boss lying about being fired, then changing reasons for why I was let go.
My boss had my manager let me go over the phone one morning after working at the company for 3.5 years because I called in after slamming my hand in a...
0 2 years 23 weeks ago
by Anonymous
n/a
Rude and unfair boss
I guess I know the answer to this one but I want to make sure. I started a job about six weeks ago working in a distribution center. The job is not ...
1 2 years 24 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 24 weeks ago
by The Editor
What should Employees do when not paid, but company wants them to work
I am a manager at a company and I am seeking advice for myself and my team as to how to handle the lack of paychecks we have received. I work for a co...
3 2 years 26 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 25 weeks ago
by Sylvester M.
Maternity loan by company can company hold paycheck
My wife worked for a company that gave us a loan for her maternity- she has been forced to leave the company for not working on Christmas this year. W...
2 2 years 27 weeks ago
by Tom S
2 years 27 weeks ago
by Tom S
can employee manual be contract in MA?
I saw in another post that an employment manual can sometimes be considered like a binding contract so that an employee is not an at will employee. B...
1 2 years 28 weeks ago
by Chambers
2 years 28 weeks ago
by The Editor
Criminal record and past convictions in hiring process
Here is a link to an interesting Associated Press article discussing the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's position that an employer's blanket...
1 2 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
2 years 29 weeks ago
by admin
Criminal record in employment application
I trying to find a new job in Massachusetts but I have a six year old conviction for a misdemeanor assault charge that I ended up getting fined for. ...
2 2 years 45 weeks ago
by Workerbee
2 years 29 weeks ago
by admin
Overtime pay for unapproved overtime work in MA
I'm not an exempt employee so I should qualify for overtime pay in Massachusetts. Last month I was given an assignment to do by my boss and while wor...
1 2 years 29 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 29 weeks ago
by The Editor
Breaching non-compete agreement or confidentiality agreement in Massachusetts?
I recently left my job at an IT company to start my own business. My old boss says he will sue me if I open a business in Massachusetts because that ...
2 2 years 31 weeks ago
by SirD55
2 years 31 weeks ago
by The Editor
Unemployment compensation for Contract/Temp workers
Since January I have been working at a company as a contractor (as opposed to company employee) with all regular withholdings taken from my payroll by...
1 2 years 32 weeks ago
by scorpio11679
2 years 32 weeks ago
by The Editor
Payment for commuting time
I used to work at a "store" that was about ten minutes from my home. When that store closed I lost the job and my manager said if I wanted to work I ...
1 2 years 33 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 33 weeks ago
by The Editor
Employee personnel record
What should be kept in an employee's personnel record? I heard that there is a new law that states no information should be kept in the file if it wi...
1 2 years 35 weeks ago
by Christinam
2 years 35 weeks ago
by The Editor
Are employers obligated to send last paycheck by mail after 2 weeks of quitting?
I quit my job about 3-4 weeks ago and friends say that employers are obligated to send me my last paycheck by mail if I haven't picked it up after 2 w...
1 2 years 35 weeks ago
by nikkiT
2 years 35 weeks ago
by admin
Business sold while on Maternity Leave
My wife was a retail store manager for a small business which was sold one week before her planned maternity leave began. Upon notification of her in...
1 2 years 36 weeks ago
by scorpio11679
2 years 36 weeks ago
by The Editor
injured and attacked at work by co-worker
i was driving into the shop, car in front of me stopped, also had a car behind me. car in front has 2 people, and told me to back up. i could't, becau...
1 2 years 36 weeks ago
by kikoneko
2 years 36 weeks ago
by The Editor
Hourly worker laid off with no cause
I was recently laid off Friday the 3rd to be exact. I had not finished the week off and was told that i was being laid off due to lack of work. This b...
1 2 years 36 weeks ago
by RRM1
2 years 36 weeks ago
by The Editor
Company avoiding breaks illegally in Massachusetts?
My employer (a big box store located in many states) often has me come in for only 4.5 hours in a day. This is a pain in the butt for many reasons bu...
1 2 years 37 weeks ago
by HillMan
2 years 37 weeks ago
by admin
Verbal or oral contract for employment binding in MA
I left my job 7 months ago because the owner/president of a start up here in Massachusetts made me an oral offer to work for him for "at least one yea...
1 2 years 38 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 38 weeks ago
by The Editor
Noncompete clause in contract for MA job
I'm looking at a contract I've been offered for a Massachusetts job and it contains what I believe is called a noncompete clause. It says something l...
2 2 years 51 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 40 weeks ago
by Jeninca
Docking Commission Pay
Working for commission based company that provides commissions faded against an hourly rate at a rate of 10% gross profit and 2% gross sales, I have r...
0 2 years 40 weeks ago
by SalesmanX
n/a
Employer has not paid me for over a month
I was employed via a temporary agency that is based in California to work for a company in Boston. The Boston company made all the arrangements and th...
1 2 years 41 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 41 weeks ago
by The Editor
Unemployment Benefit Elegibility: Unemployed in Massachusetts Since November 2008
I lost a job in Massachusetts during November 2008. I have not held a steady job since but I have never filed for unemployment insurance benefits. C...
1 2 years 41 weeks ago
by gerimy
2 years 41 weeks ago
by The Editor
At will employee fired during probation period
I recently started a new job as a nurses aid in a long term care facility. They claim they told me when they hired me that I was on a probationary pe...
1 2 years 41 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 41 weeks ago
by The Editor
Is use it or lose it legal for vacation time in MA?
I just checked in my employee handbook and, sure enough, my friend in the next office is right. It says the company has a use it or lose it policy re...
1 2 years 43 weeks ago
by JamesF75
2 years 43 weeks ago
by The Editor
Can former boss refuse to give reference?
I left my job last week to make a new start in a different industry. I had three years with my old company and never got anything but very good revie...
1 2 years 44 weeks ago
by whitley
2 years 44 weeks ago
by The Editor
Question regarding out of state health care coverage for MA residents
My husband lives and works in MA for a company which is based out of state but has local offices. His health insurance is provided for by an out of s...
1 3 years 18 weeks ago
by NeedLegalHelp
2 years 45 weeks ago
by mike_g212001
Workers compensation
I have had several back surgeries in the past. I have not had any problems relating to that in many years. I now work in a job that calls for me to ...
1 2 years 46 weeks ago
by Jimmytpi
2 years 46 weeks ago
by The Editor
final wages upon termination- Boston "exception"
Does the "exception" for Boston in MGL 149 Sec. 148 ("or in Boston as soon as the laws requiring pay rolls, bills and accounts to be certified shall h...
0 2 years 47 weeks ago
by Cikgujeff
n/a
commissions
In MA are commissions treated like wages?  I worked Oct Nov and Dec of 2009 earned the commissions and left the company in Jan 2010 they are refu...
1 2 years 47 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 47 weeks ago
by The Editor
Multiple candidtates were interviewed for the Principal Assessor's position in an open meeting by the Board of Selectmen.
I don't feel the interview was legal. I was under the impression that each candidate should be asked the same questions. The first two were asked si...
0 2 years 47 weeks ago
by Anonymous
n/a
Termination after filing for bankruptcy
Is is true that a person cannot be fired when they have filed a bankruptcy petition? My colleague has filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy and she seems to...
1 2 years 48 weeks ago
by Anonymous
2 years 48 weeks ago
by The Editor
Unemployment Insurance Question (oddball layoff situation)
I'm working a job, and we've just been told that our contract is up at the end of the month and isn't being renewed. (I'm an employee of the company, ...
0 2 years 49 weeks ago
by Anonymous
n/a
Denied raise because of maternity leave in MA
There are three women where I work all doing pretty much the same job. The other two got cost of living increases but I didn't because my boss said m...
1 2 years 49 weeks ago
by NDL1980
2 years 49 weeks ago
by The Editor
Whistleblower law in Massachusetts.
If i report my employer for some illegal activity that I know from firsthand knowledge that they are involved in will Massachusetts whistleblower law ...
1 2 years 50 weeks ago
by GSharon
2 years 50 weeks ago
by The Editor
Accusations of harassment at work?
Hi, I have been an employee of a hospital (which is owned by an organization that owns many hospitals) for four years now, and I have had no discip...
1 3 years 5 days ago
by jrh
3 years 3 days ago
by The Editor
Tuition Reimbursement Payback
I am leaving my current company in which they gave me tuition reimbursement. The policy states that I would have to pay back money they paid me within...
3 3 years 1 week ago
by vintageshirt
3 years 1 week ago
by admin
Good Cause attributable to your employer to quit your job?
Is being harrased and physically threatened by a supervisor at your workplace a good reason to quit your job? can i collect unemployment benefits?
1 3 years 1 week ago
by elrey1128
3 years 1 week ago
by The Editor
Questions asked about a former employee
Can a former employer tell a referral employer the reason an employee was fired?
1 3 years 1 week ago
by Anonymous
3 years 1 week ago
by The Editor
Can MA employer refuse to give me my last check?
I quit a job two weeks ago and now my boss says she's not going to give me my last check until I return a vacuum cleaner to her that she says I stole....
1 3 years 2 weeks ago
by Anonymous
3 years 2 weeks ago
by The Editor
Does employer in MA have to give raises by law?
I have been working at this company for two years now and I have not got a raise. The company is in Massachusetts. It seems to me like there must be...
1 3 years 3 weeks ago
by MertleMc
3 years 3 weeks ago
by The Editor
Out of state freelancer owed from MA bus. owner
I live in CA and my client is located in MA. 11 months ago, I completed a freelance project for the client. We conducted business via email. We did no...
0 3 years 4 weeks ago
by Anonymous
n/a
doctors note and employer not agreeing
my son has a drs note for recent cancer diagnosis he brought note in from dr to exempt him from working one late night at work due to fatigue and rath...
0 3 years 4 weeks ago
by donjohnson99
n/a
Sexual harassment at small company in MA
I believe I'm in a classic sexual harassment situation with my supervisor, complete with suggestive comments, offers of dates after repeated refusals,...
1 3 years 4 weeks ago
by Anonymous
3 years 4 weeks ago
by The Editor
Expired Paychecks in MA
I have a couple of expired paychecks from a recent former employer. I have asked the employer to have ADP reissue the paychecks, but have received no ...
0 3 years 5 weeks ago
by Anonymous
n/a
Can employer take away bonus?
I manage several people at a Massachusetts company and have always received a good size bonus every year. This year the bonus was cut by 25% because ...
1 3 years 5 weeks ago
by Hilite
3 years 5 weeks ago
by The Editor
Can new real estate agent continue to receive unemployment benefits?
If I have been receiving unemployment benefits, been filling out all appropriate job applications and submitting them on time. I have not had any luc...
1 3 years 6 weeks ago
by Anonymous
3 years 6 weeks ago
by The Editor
Workers' compensation covers my injury?
I work at a private school in Massachusetts and was recently injured while filling in for a gym teacher who was absent. My knee was bent the wrong wa...
1 3 years 7 weeks ago
by Anonymous
3 years 7 weeks ago
by The Editor
Maternity Leave
My leave started 4 weeks before my due date(Jan. 11th) because a medical complications, and I end up being 5 days over due(Feb 10th). I sent them ...
1 3 years 8 weeks ago
by PSants
3 years 8 weeks ago
by The Editor
Employer not applying their vacation policy to employees acquired through a purchase of another company
I am giving my notice at my employer tomorrow. On Wednesday, I emailed payroll and asked what my PTO balance was, so I could have an idea of how much...
1 3 years 8 weeks ago
by mackwill
3 years 8 weeks ago
by The Editor
Fraud in workplace
I have been employed in a medical facility for the past 9 years with excellent written reviews and letters form physicians. Last year, i was aske...
2 3 years 10 weeks ago
by scottsman
3 years 10 weeks ago
by scottsman

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