Massachusetts Employment Law Blog

Discriminatory termination happens when an employer fires an employee because of a legally protected characteristic. These characteristics include race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, and national origin. Additionally, laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Act forbid employers in Boston and throughout the…

Boston is a city that never stands still. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and thriving business community, Boston has always been a hub of innovation and growth. As the city continues to expand and evolve, so too do the challenges and opportunities faced by its workforce. At Gordon Law Group LLP, we understand that…

As an independent contractor, you work hard to provide services, meet deadlines, and fulfill agreements with your clients. Unlike traditional employees, independent contractors are not covered by many wage and hour protections under federal and state law. However, that does not mean you have no rights. If a client or company refuses to pay you…

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…