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Labor Law in Boston, as with the rest of the United States, is a field of law that primarily relates to the rights and responsibilities between employers and their employees. This includes matters such as wages, working conditions, discrimination, and employee benefits. Labor law can fall under both federal and state jurisdiction, and Boston has its specific regulations, such as the Massachusetts Equal Pay Act and the Massachusetts Sick Leave Law.
An experienced labor law attorney can advise individuals in situations of wrongful termination, workplace harassment, wage disputes, or discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or disability. Furthermore, businesses often require labor law attorneys to help ensure adherence to local and federal employment laws, draft employment contracts, or navigate complex situations such as layoffs or allegations of misconduct.
Specific to Boston, key aspects of labor laws include added protections and benefits for workers. For instance, the Massachusetts Equal Pay Act prohibits wage discrimination on the basis of gender; every employer must pay equal wages to men and women performing comparable work. The Massachusetts Sick Leave Law allows workers to earn and use up to 40 hours of sick time per calendar year, either paid or unpaid, depending on the employer's size.
The Massachusetts minimum wage is $13.50, which exceeds the federal minimum. This applies to all non-exempt employees in Boston and throughout the state.
At-will employment means an employer can terminate an employee at any time for any reason, except an illegal one, or for no reason, without incurring legal consequences. Likewise, an employee is free to leave a job at any time for any or no reason with no adverse legal consequences.
You can file a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). A labor law attorney can guide you through the process and handle the legal complexities on your behalf.
Under Massachusetts law, employers must provide a 30-minute break during each work period that lasts more than six hours. However, this requirement does not apply to certain occupations or workplaces.
Yes, under the Massachusetts Sick Leave Law, workers can earn and use up to 40 hours of sick time per year to take care of their own or their family members’ medical needs.
The Office of Labor and Workforce Development (OLWD) and the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) are key resources for labor law matters in Boston. Several non-profit organizations like Greater Boston Legal Services also offer guidance and further resources.
If you need legal assistance in Labor Law, consider consulting with an attorney experienced in this field. A lawyer can provide advice tailored to your particular situation, guiding you through any necessary proceedings while safeguarding your rights and interests. You can find attorneys and law firms in Boston specialising in labor law through the Boston Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service.
