In a ruling that provides important early guidance on the reach of the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (PFMLA), a Suffolk Superior Court judge in the Business Litigation Session has held that the PFMLA’s anti-retaliation protections apply only to “employers” and do not extend to individual employees of
Articles About Massachusetts Labor and Employment Law.
Liability Under Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave
Liability Under Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave
As the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law continues to mature, courts have begun to articulate with greater precision the scope of employer obligations and the limits of liability under the statute. For in‑house attorneys and human resources professionals responsible
SJC Affirms Whistleblower Protection for Employees Involved in the Wrongdoing They Report
In its recent decision, Galvin v. Roxbury Community College, No. SJC-13754 (January 27, 2026), the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) unanimously affirmed that the Massachusetts Whistleblower Act (MWA) affords protection to employees, even when they are involved in the wrongdoing to which they object.
Massachusetts Pay Reporting for EEO-1 Filers Enters Its Second Year—Reports Are Due by February 2, 2026
The second year of Massachusetts pay reporting officially called the EEO Wage and Workforce Data Reports has begun for covered EEO-1 filers with all reports due by February 2, 2026.
Massachusetts Pay Reporting Deadline: Are You Ready for February 2, 2026?
Massachusetts employers with 100 or more employees should prepare now for the next round of state pay reporting, as the deadline is quickly approaching. This year, the reports are due by February 2, 2026, as the normal February 1 deadline falls on a weekend and is extended to the next business day. Massachusetts’ “An Act… Continue Reading
Massachusetts High Court’s Nunez Decision: Retention Bonus Does Not Constitute a ‘Wage’ Under State Wage Act
Takeaways
Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Program: November 2025 End-of-Year Update
With the approaching end of 2025, the Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML) has issued updated notices supporting Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (MA PFML) compliance. Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued tax guidance for states with paid family and medical leave programs. Finally, the
SJC Holds That Retention Bonuses Do Not Constitute ‘Wages’ Under the Massachusetts Wage Act
Last year, the Appellate Division of the Massachusetts District Court held in Nunez v. Syncsort Incorporated—a decision that we addressed in an article published on October 28, 2024—that retention bonuses do not constitute “wages” within the meaning of the Massachusetts Wage Act.
On October 22, 2025, in a significant win
Massachusetts High Court Holds That Retention Bonuses Fall Outside the Scope of the Wage Act
Massachusetts High Court Holds That Retention Bonuses Fall Outside the Scope of the Wage Act
In Nunez v. Syncsort Incorporated (October 22, 2025), the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court held that retention bonuses are not “wages” for purposes of the Massachusetts Wage Act. As a result, employees may not bring Wage
Deadline to Implement Pay Range Transparency Disclosures in Massachusetts Rapidly Approaching
Deadline to Implement Pay Range Transparency Disclosures in Massachusetts Rapidly Approaching
A key component of the Massachusetts Pay Transparency Act will take effect on October 29, 2025, when many employers will be required for the first time to disclose the “pay range” of jobs in Massachusetts.
Which Employers Are Covered by
Massachusetts Provides Clarity on New Pay Transparency Law
Massachusetts’s pay transparency law will come into effect as of October 29, 2025, bringing significant changes to how Massachusetts employers handle compensation disclosures. This new law, “An Act Relative to Salary Range Transparency,” aims to promote fairness and equity in the workplace by ensuring that employees have access to information
Massachusetts Pay Transparency Law Takes Effect in October: Here’s What Employers Need to Do Now
TakeawaysEmployers with at least 25 employees in Massachusetts must comply with the new pay transparency law beginning 10.29.25.The law also requires pay data reporting by employers that submit EEO reports to the EEOC.Employers covered by the new law should review and update their practices.Related links
SJC Confirms Nonsolicitation Agreements Are Excluded by Scope of Massachusetts Noncompetition Agreement Act
On June 13, 2025, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) issued a decision in Miele v. Foundation Medicine, Inc., confirming that the Massachusetts Noncompetition Agreement Act does not apply to nonsolicitation agreements incorporated into a termination agreement even if the termination agreement includes a forfeiture provision.
Massachusetts Employers: Include Lie Detector Notice in Your Job Applications
Massachusetts Employers: Include Lie Detector Notice in Your Job Applications
Massachusetts law, G.L. c. 149, § 19B, has long banned the use of lie detector tests in employment, and since 1986, also states that employers should provide affirmative notice on all job applications regarding the use of lie detector tests.
Massachusetts Employers: Do Your Job Applications Contain the Mandatory Notice About Lie Detector Use in Employment?
TakeawaysUnder Massachusetts law, all job applications must contain a specific notice regarding the use of lie detector tests.It is unlawful for employers to require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.Employers should consider the suggested steps below to ensure compliance with the law.Article