Best Employment & Labor Lawyers in Falmouth

About Employment & Labor Law in Falmouth, United States

Employment & Labor law in Falmouth, United States focuses on the rights and obligations of both employers and employees in the workplace. These laws cover a wide range of issues such as minimum wage, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and workplace safety.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer specializing in Employment & Labor law in Falmouth if you are facing issues such as unfair treatment at work, discrimination, unpaid wages, wrongful termination, or if you need help negotiating employment contracts.

Local Laws Overview

In Falmouth, key aspects of local laws related to Employment & Labor include the Massachusetts Wage Act, which mandates timely payment of wages, and the Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Act, which prohibits discrimination in the workplace based on protected characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can my employer fire me for no reason?

A: In Falmouth, Massachusetts is an at-will employment state, which means that an employer can generally terminate an employee for any reason, as long as it is not illegal (such as discrimination).

Q: What should I do if I believe I am being discriminated against at work?

A: You should document the incidents of discrimination and reach out to a lawyer specializing in Employment & Labor law in Falmouth to discuss your options.

Q: How do I know if I am entitled to overtime pay?

A: In Massachusetts, employees are generally entitled to overtime pay if they work more than 40 hours in a workweek unless they fall under certain exemptions.

Q: Can I be fired for filing a workers' compensation claim?

A: No, it is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for filing a workers' compensation claim in Falmouth, Massachusetts.

Q: How long do I have to file a claim for unpaid wages?

A: Under the Massachusetts Wage Act, you generally have three years from the date the wages were due to file a claim for unpaid wages.

Q: What is the minimum wage in Falmouth, Massachusetts?

A: The current minimum wage in Massachusetts is $13.50 per hour, but it is set to increase to $15.00 per hour by 2023.

Q: Can I be discriminated against based on my sexual orientation?

A: In Massachusetts, sexual orientation is a protected characteristic under the Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Act, so discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal.

Q: What is the process for filing a discrimination complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination?

A: You can file a discrimination complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination within 300 days of the alleged discrimination by contacting their office or filing a complaint online.

Q: Can my employer require me to work overtime without extra pay?

A: In general, employers are required to pay non-exempt employees overtime pay for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek at a rate of 1.5 times their regular rate of pay.

Q: Do I have a right to breaks and meal periods at work?

A: Under Massachusetts law, employees are entitled to a 30-minute unpaid meal break if they work more than six hours in a day, as well as short breaks during the workday.

Additional Resources

If you need legal advice or assistance with Employment & Labor law in Falmouth, you can contact the Falmouth Employment Lawyers Association or the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards for more information and resources.

Next Steps

If you believe you need legal assistance with an Employment & Labor issue in Falmouth, contact a lawyer specializing in this area of law to discuss your situation and explore your options for seeking redress or protection under the law.