Massachusetts Employment Law Blog

As temperatures rise, so do the stakes for employers and employees trying to stay cool under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). On July 1, 2025, the Department of Labor’s updated overtime rule takes effect—raising salary thresholds, clarifying duties tests, and reshaping who qualifies for overtime pay. Whether you manage payroll or punch a time…

With the gig economy booming, many workers and businesses alike face a critical decision: should you be classified as a W‑2 employee or as a 1099 independent contractor? Each status carries distinct tax obligations, benefits, and legal protections. Misclassification can leave you without overtime, unemployment insurance, or even Social Security credits. Below, we break down…

As the gig economy heats up, so do the risks of misclassification. What starts as a flexible “contractor” arrangement can leave you burned—without overtime, benefits, or basic workplace protections. In recent years, several states have enacted laws that severely restrict or outright ban independent contractor status in certain industries. If you work as a driver,…

All too often, employees at all levels find themselves victims of unfair discrimination—whether based on race, gender, pregnancy, disability, religion or sexual orientation—or subjected to retaliation, wrongful termination, or other violations of federal and state employment laws. As the summer season heats up, so can workplace tensions. Gender‑based termination and discrimination remain pervasive issues in…

All too often, dedicated workers put in extra hours—arriving early, staying late, or checking emails off the clock—only to find that their hard work goes uncompensated. Whether you’re a retail associate, a hospitality worker, or a salaried employee misclassified as exempt, failing to receive overtime pay can take a serious toll on your finances and…

All too often, dedicated employees find themselves suddenly dismissed under the guise of “restructuring” or “performance issues” when, in reality, their race has played a decisive role. Losing your job in these circumstances can be both financially devastating and deeply demoralizing. Fortunately, federal and state laws provide powerful tools to challenge race‑based terminations—and to hold…

Overtime pay is a fundamental right under federal law, ensuring that employees receive fair compensation for hours worked beyond the standard 40-hour workweek. Unfortunately, many employers try to avoid paying overtime through misclassification, payroll manipulation, or outright wage theft. If you worked extra hours but didn’t receive the correct overtime pay, you may have legal…

Understanding the differences between W2 employees and independent contractors is critical for both workers and employers. Misclassification can result in lost wages, denied benefits, and legal complications. While some workers enjoy the flexibility of contracting, others prefer the stability of traditional employment. However, employers sometimes misclassify workers to avoid providing benefits, overtime pay, and tax…

Understanding overtime pay is crucial for employees in Massachusetts, where state laws offer strong protections to ensure fair compensation. Whether you’re working extra hours to meet deadlines or covering additional shifts, you deserve to be paid correctly. Employers must comply with both state and federal laws when determining overtime pay, and failure to do so…

When your employer fails to pay you for your sales, it’s not just frustrating—it’s a violation of your rights as an employee. Whether you work on a commission basis, salary plus commission, or receive bonuses tied to sales, you are legally entitled to the wages you’ve earned. In Massachusetts, wage laws protect employees in these…