Skip to main content

Welcome to our Massachusetts Employment Law Forum. Feel free to post questions, answers, or comments about hiring, firing, workplace policies, and other MA employment law issues.  If you need professional legal advice, please use our Attorney Directory to find a MA employment attorney.

Have a question? Use our SEARCH feature, below, to find your answer.  For example, if you have a question about employee rights under MA law, simply enter one or two key words, such as: employee rights

Search Existing Questions
Search our huge collection of questions and answers.

MA Employment Law (Workplace/Coworkers) Questions and Answers

Login or Register to post a new question
TopicRepliesCreatedLast replysort icon
Sales Discrimination
13-Aug-2008 11:48 AM -- pastrygirl_99 I recently purchased the Rainbow from Karey Distributors INC. At the time of purchase I had no ide...
0 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
n/a
Alteration of Timesheet?
12-Aug-2008 8:59 AM -- guest2008 My manager changed my timesheet to reduce my hours and then added wrong, causing my hours to be reduced...
0 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
n/a
commission-based pay
27-Jul-2008 7:05 PM -- dd If an employee is compensated on a commission basis (%) for services provided, and discounts for those service...
0 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
n/a
Tenant at will
Flower 1 post 4-Aug-2008 6:44 AM Hi. I need help, I really don't know what to do... I had pay...
0 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
n/a
Travel Compensation
MRV 1 post 9-Jul-2008 10:28 PM I am a non-exempt hourly employee that is required to travel out...
0 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
n/a
Employer release of medical info
noclarky58 1 post 9-Jul-2008 5:51 PM I recently emailed my boss about a medical issue I am havi...
0 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
n/a
Employers method of pay or compensation
Johnlms7 1 post 9-Jul-2008 2:28 PM In our newly settled contract between Company and union ther...
0 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
n/a
Am I liable for acts of an adult child?
bucabrandyGuest0 post 7-Jul-20081:51 PM My son is 32 years old. Has been fired from his job due to alcohol abuse. He has been thrown out of his girlf...
0 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
n/a
bank account
26-Jun-2008 12:50 PM -- a_cnnMy dad and I have a same name. One day a bank called me that I have a loan, but I never opened that account. Actaully, my...
0 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
n/a
Would login be illegal?
21-Jun-2008 12:27 PM -- Anonymous If I log in to a former employers website, in order to access the email directory, would this be illeg...
0 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
n/a
4 day 10 hour work week
15-Jun-2008 12:58 PM -- coors does a municipal labor job pay time/half after 8 hous if forced to work 10 hour days in ma ...
0 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
n/a
Timesheets
Beth LeGrand Guest 0 post 3-Jun-2008 3:10 PM My office has recently instigated timesheets. We ha...
0 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
n/a
Employee Out Indefinitely??
28-May-2008 9:06 AM -- Louisa I am a small business employer (3 employees and myself). I have an employee who has been out over a week ...
0 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
n/a
Employer relocation expenses
John384Guest0 post 1-May-200811:49 AM The contract I signed before I went to work for a company stated that my relocation was a loan that would be fo...
0 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
n/a
employer placing picture online
27-Apr-2008 11:01 PM -- AnonymousMy employer has made it mandatory that all employes have thier picture taken to be posted online to advertise the bus...
0 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
n/a
Revocable Living Trust & public assistance?
12-Apr-2008 6:49 PM -- Vika An elderly relative has sole deed to a multi-family home. She wishes to leave her house to me, although I do...
0 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
n/a
Simple Questions on Property Assessor Rights
14-Apr-2008 5:35 AM -- mw I have some simple questions on a property assessor rights to go onto a property.What laws give an Assessor th...
0 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
n/a
New Landlord
31-Mar-2008 7:15 AM -- JJI am currently renovating a 3-family home in Haverhill and am starting the process of interviewing potential tenants. I have ...
0 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
n/a
non-solicitation agreement
22-Feb-2008 9:42 AM -- Anonymous I was recently laid off and part of my severance agreement states that for 12 months following my depar...
0 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
n/a
Employment
12-Feb-2008 3:07 PM -- Anonymous I left a big financial services firm back in 2000 in what I thought on a good note. I never had any pro...
0 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
n/a
Required Health Insurance
11-Feb-2008 5:15 PM -- JJ I recently lost my job through a lay off.This year I was faced with the MA requirement to carry health insuran...
0 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
n/a
Social Security Number Privacy
My employer released my social security number and date of birth to a private insuer offering long term disability. I had not enrolled in this insura...
0 4 years 37 weeks ago
by Anonymous
n/a
At-will Employment
Is is true that Massachusetts law allows people to be fired at any time and for any reason?
1 4 years 30 weeks ago
by Anonymous
4 years 30 weeks ago
by The Editor
Health Insurance Termination before COBRA election?
On Friday I lost my job thru a workforce reduction. The next day my wife went to fill a prescription and was told that we have no health insurance co...
1 4 years 27 weeks ago
by sabcpa
4 years 27 weeks ago
by The Editor
QUESTION ABOUT FORMER BUSINESS OWNER BEING DENIED UNEMPLOYMENT
Hello- I'm really in need of some help or advice on this unique issue. I recently sold my business (for a good loss), and I am walking away with n...
0 4 years 25 weeks ago
by Anonymous
n/a
Minimum Wage in Massachusetts
What is the minimum wage in Massachusetts? Thank you.
1 4 years 25 weeks ago
by Anonymous
4 years 24 weeks ago
by The Editor
Required Pay for Short Shifts
My boss is always calling me in to work, having me work for an hour or two and then sending me home when things get slow again. It is a major pain in...
1 4 years 23 weeks ago
by KCAT
4 years 23 weeks ago
by The Editor
Maternity/Paternity Leave in Massachusetts
Does Massachusetts law require my employer to give me (a male) eight weeks of paid paternity leave?
1 4 years 21 weeks ago
by KingR
4 years 21 weeks ago
by The Editor
Posters Required by Massachusetts employer law
I am starting a small restaurant in Massachusetts. Can you tell me where I can find out about the notices regarding employee rules and rights I am sup...
1 4 years 18 weeks ago
by Click4
4 years 17 weeks ago
by The Editor
Fire Employee after 2 Week's Notice?
An employee just gave me two weeks notice. Is there any reason under Massachusetts law that I can't just fire him now?
1 4 years 15 weeks ago
by Angryone
4 years 15 weeks ago
by The Editor
Sexual Harassment in Massachusetts
Does Massachusetts law allow me to sue a woman and my employer for sexual harassment at work (I am also a woman)?
1 4 years 12 weeks ago
by angrygirl
4 years 12 weeks ago
by The Editor
Can you get into "trouble" for calling in if You dont feel comfortable driving in 15 inches of snow?
I am so curious if they can actually repremand you for calling in advising them that you DO NOT feel comfortable driving to work due to the snow storm...
0 4 years 11 weeks ago
by Anonymous
n/a
Failure to provide performance review
When I was hired I was told that I would have a performance review after 90 days and that after the review my salary would be increased. The HR repres...
1 4 years 9 weeks ago
by Anonymous
4 years 9 weeks ago
by The Editor
Manager Not showing up
This morning i was scheduled to open the store with a manager at 7am. I walk 20 minutes to arrive at work 10 minutes early. At 7am the manager hasnt...
0 4 years 8 weeks ago
by Anonymous
n/a
Illegal Interview Questions under MA employment law
I just went to a job interview and was asked if I have ever been convicted of a crime. Isn't that kind of questions illegal under MA employment law?
1 4 years 8 weeks ago
by Yeller
4 years 8 weeks ago
by The Editor
Unemployment Issues
I was working both a full-time and part-time job when I was laid off from my full-time job and began collecting UI benefits. The part-time job was be...
3 4 years 3 weeks ago
by stefaniecar
4 years 3 weeks ago
by admin
MA at-will employment laws
Can you clarify MA law about at-will employment? I know it means I can be fired without cause, but can I be fired if I refuse to do something my boss...
1 4 years 1 week ago
by Anonymous
4 years 1 week ago
by The Editor
MA employment law and maternity Leave
Hello. I am getting ready to leave on maternity leave. I trust my boss and everything but because of the way the economy is I'm worried the company wi...
1 4 years 4 days ago
by Anonymous
4 years 4 days ago
by The Editor
Employer Recording Conversations
Is it legal for an employer to secretly install tape recorders with the purpose of recording his employees conversations against their knowledge? If i...
1 3 years 50 weeks ago
by jeffmuldoon
3 years 50 weeks ago
by The Editor
Access to employee records and files
We have a new manager now, but I'm worried about what the old manager might have put in my file because we did not get along. I asked the Human resou...
1 3 years 49 weeks ago
by SGN1972
3 years 49 weeks ago
by The Editor
Can Employer change terms of my employment before I start?
I recently went to work for a company resort near Martha's Vinyard who came and hired me in another state for the season from May to September for a s...
1 3 years 49 weeks ago
by mayka
3 years 49 weeks ago
by The Editor
Who pays for cost of cleaning work uniform in MA?
I'm a security guard and I have to wear a uniform that my boss provides for us. But my question is shouldn't he have to have the uniform dry-cleaned ...
1 3 years 48 weeks ago
by BadasUwant
3 years 48 weeks ago
by The Editor
Prevailing wage law in MA
I work for a mason and we are doing some work in Boston for the city. I think I'm supposed to be getting the Massachusetts prevailing wage but I have...
1 3 years 47 weeks ago
by Anonymous
3 years 47 weeks ago
by The Editor
Workplace Refusing to Pay Raise after Resignation
I received my annual salary increase effective June 1. I have a letter stating what my new salary is and that the new salary is effective June 1. I ha...
0 3 years 47 weeks ago
by Anonymous
n/a
Employment law about discrimination
I was recently passed over for a promotion for a job, and I think I was clearly the most qualified person (by a long shot). I want to keep this vague...
1 3 years 47 weeks ago
by SBolden
3 years 47 weeks ago
by The Editor
Car-Sales Employment And Commission Based Pay
Is there a minimum that must be paid for Commission-Based work? I am a car salesman and our weekly salary has been reduced by $100 from $300 to $200. ...
1 3 years 46 weeks ago
by G.Cash
3 years 45 weeks ago
by The Editor
Laid off and discriminated against by employer
I was recently laid off due to "lack of work in my department". However, I had seniority (10yrs) over 7 other employees and asked to be put back down ...
1 3 years 45 weeks ago
by In Need of Help
3 years 45 weeks ago
by The Editor
Former Employer still sending emails in my name
I have been informed that my former employer has continued to send emails using my full name from my company email address. Is this illegal? I was ter...
0 3 years 44 weeks ago
by truerose
n/a
MA employment law re pay for unused vacation time
I am leaving my job within the next few months and I have a bunch of unused vacation time. Does Massachusetts employment law require my employer to p...
1 3 years 44 weeks ago
by Anonymous
3 years 44 weeks ago
by The Editor
Paid lunch break required by MA law?
I usually work 8.5 hour days including half an hour for lunch. But I'm not paid for the lunch time even though I can't really go home or anything bec...
1 3 years 42 weeks ago
by Anonymous
3 years 42 weeks ago
by The Editor
employer duduction from your check
I'm in inhome sales,, Is it legal for an employer to deduct my set commission if something goes wrong with the install of our product? also if when we...
0 3 years 42 weeks ago
by curious
n/a
employer want to wire us and have us record our sales presentation in customers home
we are going to be wired when going into peoples home to record our presentation.. I am not comfortable with this and plan on saying no to this..Do th...
1 3 years 42 weeks ago
by curious
3 years 42 weeks ago
by The Editor
Can employer or owner charge employees a percentage of tips daily to cover costs?
My current employer is charging us 2% of our tips at the end of each shift to cover the cost of their dinner ware, glass ware, utensils, etc. Their re...
1 3 years 41 weeks ago
by Anonymous
3 years 41 weeks ago
by The Editor
What can a former employer say in reference to former employee?
I'm in the middle of a job search and I'm wondering what my former employer can say about me in a reference? Isn't it true that MA law says all they ...
1 3 years 39 weeks ago
by Anonymous
3 years 39 weeks ago
by The Editor
Sexual harassment if boss asking me on dates
My boss has never actually demanded sex in return for a promotion or pay increase (I get a yearly but small raise and, because I'm a receptionist ther...
1 3 years 40 weeks ago
by Anonymous
3 years 39 weeks ago
by The Editor
Bed rest and MA Maternity Leave Law
I am pregnant and may have to leave work prior to giving birth four weeks early. Would this four weeks count towards the 8 weeks of maternity leave I ...
1 3 years 39 weeks ago
by mizk2001
3 years 39 weeks ago
by The Editor
What is discrimination against handicapped persons under MA employment law?
I have an employee at my small business (only 14 employees) who is constantly taking time off and asking for special treatment because of her arthriti...
1 3 years 37 weeks ago
by Anonymous
3 years 37 weeks ago
by The Editor
Is random drug testing of employees legal in Massachusetts?
I drive a front end loader for a construction company that has hedquarters in Massachusetts. Since I started working at this place they do random dru...
1 3 years 36 weeks ago
by Anonymous
3 years 36 weeks ago
by The Editor
Do I qualify for MA unemployment compensation?
I was working in construction but got laid off last week. Can anyone get unemployment compensation or are there some rules that might disqualify me? ...
1 3 years 35 weeks ago
by RickKath
3 years 35 weeks ago
by The Editor
Can I get MA unemployment benefits after applying for SSDI
Can you receive unemployment benefits after you have applied for social security disability? My career was very specialized and it would be a lightnin...
1 3 years 34 weeks ago
by barefootx3
3 years 34 weeks ago
by The Editor
Canceling Insurance
Can a employer cancel you health insurance if you were hurt at work? I am now on Workmans comp and will require surgery. This happend 1-1/2 weeks ago...
1 3 years 34 weeks ago
by Rob DJ
3 years 34 weeks ago
by The Editor
False imprisonment, age & disability discrimination
Massachusetts I have over 30 years at a manufacturing company. I am over 55, with a history of labor activism, have a disability, have intermittent ...
1 3 years 34 weeks ago
by revb
3 years 34 weeks ago
by The Editor
Can boss or employer read or my emails at work?
Is it legal in Massachusetts for my employer or boss to monitor or read my emails? I guess there might be a difference between emails I get or send t...
1 3 years 32 weeks ago
by Anonymous
3 years 32 weeks ago
by The Editor
Laid-off / unpaid wages and expenses
19-May-2008 8:58 AM -- Anonymous My company is going through cut backs, and I am getting laid off. Rather than getting my last 7 days o...
1 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
3 years 30 weeks ago
by admin
Vacation pay
I'm a salaried employee at a large Fortune 500 corporation which limits year-to-year carryover of vacation time to no more than one-week. Almost every...
0 3 years 29 weeks ago
by Anonymous
n/a
Reduction in hours make me eligible for partial unemployment insurance benefits?
I have been working with a corporate company for several years now at a steady 35+ hours weekly. Recently, they have cut back my, and all other "full-...
1 3 years 29 weeks ago
by AlphaTech
3 years 28 weeks ago
by The Editor
interruption of required lunch breaks
I work in a hospital where our work schedule was just change, they added an extra half hour to our work day for unpaid lunch. but during our lunch bre...
1 3 years 28 weeks ago
by phleb tech
3 years 28 weeks ago
by The Editor
can management be held accountable for actions of a spouse
Where I work, there has been issues recently between a manger's spouse and a part tme employee. Accuations were made without proof, but the spouse co...
0 3 years 27 weeks ago
by echoed_obscurity
n/a
Employee rights in MA
I'm pretty sure I have the world's worst boss and job. I find it hard to believe that most of what I got to put up with is legal. Everything from crud...
1 3 years 27 weeks ago
by Workedup
3 years 27 weeks ago
by The Editor
MA Maternity Leave
I am employed at a private non profit that grants four weeks paid maternity leave after 12 months of employment. I am pregnant and my due date is on ...
1 3 years 26 weeks ago
by pregnantworkerbee
3 years 26 weeks ago
by The Editor
Pay check law in MA and deducting wages wages when employee late
Over the last few months I have come into work late once or twice, usually just five or ten minutes late. My boss says she's going to start deducting ...
1 3 years 26 weeks ago
by Anonymous
3 years 26 weeks ago
by The Editor
When is final paycheck due in MA?
21-Jun-2008 5:41 AM -- gavenotice When is the final paycheck due upon giving 3.5 weeks notice to employer?My supervisor never informed p...
1 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
3 years 25 weeks ago
by admin
Employment- Overtime pay Sunday
29-Apr-2008 8:16 AM -- KPW I am a part time security guard working for a private security company. Thus far I have been working Sundays ...
1 4 years 40 weeks ago
by admin
3 years 24 weeks ago
by admin
Maternity leave if I adopt a child
I'm seriously considering adoption and was wondering how the MA maternity leave would work in my case. I have been told that I can take maternity leav...
1 3 years 24 weeks ago
by Anonymous
3 years 24 weeks ago
by The Editor
Religious discrimination under MA employment law
I started a new job last month and I'm now wondering how to talk to my boss about some important holidays that are coming up, religious days that I re...
1 3 years 23 weeks ago
by Lyden
3 years 23 weeks ago
by The Editor
Treble damages even if a day late?
Hello. Was terminated on a Friday with a letter stating final pay and accrued vacation time "was enclosed". Not provided with amounts due at the tim...
0 3 years 23 weeks ago
by david watts
n/a
Disciplinary meeting at work
I'm supposed to go to a meeting with my bosses after Christmas about some "inappropriate" emails that I sent and received. One of my bosses mentioned...
1 3 years 21 weeks ago
by Anonymous
3 years 21 weeks ago
by The Editor
Definition of Work Week under MA LAw
Hello! My husband works for a company that issues paychecks on Fridays. If he worked Saturday, they used to pay the extra Sat hours as overtime for t...
1 3 years 21 weeks ago
by GalwayRose 1
3 years 21 weeks ago
by The Editor
Employee or independent contractor under MA employment law
My company has reclassified a couple of people that I always thought of as employees as "independent contractor. I think they are doing this to limit...
1 3 years 19 weeks ago
by ShelbyH
3 years 19 weeks ago
by The Editor
Can there be an implied or oral contract for employment in MA?
I think I understand the concept of at will employment and that the law allows employers to fire people who do not have a contract for any legal reaso...
1 3 years 18 weeks ago
by Anonymous
3 years 18 weeks ago
by The Editor
back over time pay for a commission employee
I worked 9 years at a company. For the first 7 years I was paid commissions only but had to clock in and out. It was mandatory that I work 70+ hours a...
0 3 years 18 weeks ago
by Overtimepay
n/a
Can employer force an employee to exhaust all vacation/sick time during maternity leave before paying STD?
I am not sure if my company is in compliance with MMLA. My HR dept has explained our maternity leave policy as follows: Employee may take up to 8 we...
1 3 years 24 weeks ago
by Anonymous
3 years 18 weeks ago
by admin
Owner of now defunct company, can I file for unemployment?
I owned my own business for over 10 years and closed in August. I paid contributions for myself and for my employees (who are now collecting unemploym...
1 3 years 18 weeks ago
by Anonymous
3 years 18 weeks ago
by The Editor
Employer breaks trade license laws, encourages unsafe practices do I have the right to quit if expected to do illegal acts?
My employer is a complete scumbag. I am expected to perform work that is supposed to be contracted out to a licensed plumber, or sometimes electrician...
1 3 years 17 weeks ago
by dn82180
3 years 17 weeks ago
by The Editor
Employer refusing to pay me increased rate until I sign my contract (they tell me now and I've been doing the new job for a week
I tried looking online to find some information about this and I've come up with nothing. After being promoted and starting the new position, I recei...
1 3 years 16 weeks ago
by SHGChiquita
3 years 16 weeks ago
by The Editor
untimely submission of hours worked
If I just submitted my time for hours I worked back in December, does my employer have to pay me? I went to a training and a meeting that I did not r...
1 3 years 15 weeks ago
by Anonymous
3 years 15 weeks ago
by The Editor
employer reducing hours of fulltime employess and now contemplating denying benefits
Several fulltime employees in a retail establishment had their hours cut back due to a reduction in sales by the company. Their fulltime benefits were...
1 3 years 14 weeks ago
by Anonymous
3 years 14 weeks ago
by The Editor
Can boss take money from my paycheck?
I work as a delivery person for a florist and my boss says that if I somehow damage an arrangement while delivering it then I should bring it back and...
1 3 years 12 weeks ago
by Netone
3 years 12 weeks ago
by The Editor
Punitive damages in MA employment discrimination case.
If I go through with my plan to sue my former employer for discrimination (no matter what they say, I was not promoted because of my race) can I also ...
1 3 years 11 weeks ago
by Anonymous
3 years 11 weeks ago
by The Editor
Is is illegal to keep a terminated employee listed on website?
Please Help!!!! I was let go over 6 months ago at a non-profit due to a chronic illness, was a wrongful termination and I won in an appeal with unemp...
2 3 years 14 weeks ago
by RobinHood
3 years 11 weeks ago
by RobinHood
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
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 9 weeks ago
by mackwill
3 years 9 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

For additional information about this area of Massachusetts law

try our Quick Information Library or search The Forum for MA Law (top, right corner of page).

Talk to an Employment Lawyer Today
Most offer FREE Consultations
Syndicate content