Employment Law

Are You Really an Independent Contractor?

Worker Misclassification Can Cost Employees Thousands of Dollars in Lost Wages and Benefits Many Massachusetts workers are told they are “independent contractors” rather than employees. While some individuals genuinely operate as independent contractors, others are improperly classified by their employers—sometimes intentionally and sometimes by mistake. The distinction is more than a job title or tax designation. It can determine whether a worker is entitled to

What Is Wage Theft and How Can You Prove It in Massachusetts?

Wage theft is more common than many employees realize—and it often occurs in subtle ways. In Massachusetts, wage and hour laws are designed to ensure employees are paid fully and on time for all work performed. When employers fail to meet these obligations, it may constitute wage theft. Understanding what wage theft looks like, how to prove it, and what steps to take can help

Can My Employer Withhold My Final Paycheck in Massachusetts?

When your employment ends, one of your most immediate concerns is when you will receive your final paycheck. In Massachusetts, employers must follow strict wage payment laws, and failure to do so can lead to significant penalties. If you are dealing with delayed or missing wages, understand your rights under the Massachusetts Wage Act. When Must My Final Paycheck Be Paid? Massachusetts law sets clear deadlines for when final wages must

Are Salaried Employees Entitled to Overtime Pay in Massachusetts?

Many employees believe that being paid a salary automatically means they are expected to work more than 40 hours per week and are not entitled to overtime. This is one of the most common, and costly, misunderstandings in employment law. Under Massachusetts wage and hour laws and federal overtime law, being salaried does not automatically eliminate an employee’s right to overtime pay. The key issue is whether

How Do Overtime Rules Apply During the Holiday Season?

The end-of-year holiday season is one of the busiest times for many workplaces. Retail, hospitality, logistics, healthcare, and office environments often see increased workloads, extended hours, and staffing shortages. While employers may rely on employees to work longer or irregular schedules during this time, overtime laws still apply. Understanding how overtime rules work during the holidays can help employees ensure they are paid fairly for

Understanding Non-Compete Agreements in Massachusetts

Non-compete agreements are a common feature of employment contracts in Massachusetts to protect businesses from unfair competition by current and former employees. However, these agreements need to meet specific legal requirements under Massachusetts law to ensure fairness and enforceability. We review what non-compete agreements are, the legal framework governing them in Massachusetts, and key considerations for both employers and employees. What Are Non-Compete Agreements? A non-compete agreement is the part in an employment

Misclassification of Employees as Independent Contractors in Massachusetts

Employee misclassification is a common issue in Massachusetts, particularly in industries where companies try to reduce costs by labeling workers as independent contractors rather than employees. Misclassification deprives workers of essential protections, including access to benefits, overtime pay, and legal rights under Massachusetts employment laws. Understanding how misclassification occurs, its consequences, and how to seek recourse can help Massachusetts workers protect their rights and ensure

Massachusetts Wage Deductions and Illegal Deductions from Employees’ Wages

In Massachusetts, specific regulations govern what employers can and cannot deduct from an employee’s paycheck. Violations of these laws can lead to significant legal penalties for employers, and employees may be entitled to compensation if illegal deductions are made. Legal Wage Deductions in Massachusetts Under both Massachusetts law and federal law, certain wage deductions are legal as long as they meet specific criteria. Generally, employers

Massachusetts Wage Act: Unpaid Commissions

Understanding Unpaid Commissions in Massachusetts In Massachusetts, commissions and bonuses are often a significant part of an employee’s compensation package. However, disputes can arise when an employee is terminated, and the employer does not pay these earned amounts. Understanding your legal rights is crucial to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Commissions: Commissions are payments based on sales or other measurable performance metrics. In

A Guide to Massachusetts Wage and Hour Laws

Massachusetts wage and hour laws govern various aspects of employment, including minimum wage, overtime pay, and meal breaks to ensure fair treatment and compensation for workers. Here is some comprehensive guidance on wage and hour laws to help both employers and employees understand their rights and obligations. Minimum Wage Requirements In Massachusetts, employers are required to pay employees at least the minimum wage set by

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Are You Really an Independent Contractor?

What Is Wage Theft and How Can You Prove It in Massachusetts?

Can My Employer Withhold My Final Paycheck in Massachusetts?

Are Salaried Employees Entitled to Overtime Pay in Massachusetts?

How Do Overtime Rules Apply During the Holiday Season?

Understanding Non-Compete Agreements in Massachusetts

Misclassification of Employees as Independent Contractors in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Wage Deductions and Illegal Deductions from Employees’ Wages

Massachusetts Wage Act: Unpaid Commissions

A Guide to Massachusetts Wage and Hour Laws

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Reardon, Joyce & Akerson

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