Articles About Massachusetts Labor and Employment Law.

To slow the spread of COVID-19 and to avoid overwhelming Massachusetts hospitals, Governor Charlie Baker ordered (No. 59) further limitations on capacity at gatherings, events, and workplaces. These restrictions are effective at 12:01 a.m. on December 26, 2020, and will remain in place for at least two weeks, until noon on January 10, 2021.

Just as the whirlwind of 2020 winds down, Massachusetts employers are preparing for what is perhaps the most significant legislative update for worker leave in the past five years. On January 1, 2021, the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (PFML) will begin providing benefits to eligible workers for

Citing the increased strain on Boston hospitals from the continued spread of COVID-19, the Boston Public Health Commission ordered restrictions that impose limitations on Boston businesses that go beyond those announced at the state level that were effective on December 13, 2020.

Citing significant increases in confirmed COVID-19 cases, positive COVID-19 tests, and hospitalizations for COVID-19, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has issued orders rolling back Massachusetts business reopenings and further limiting mass gatherings. These orders go into effect on December 13, 2020.

On September 16, 2020, in Peeples v. Clinical Support Options, Inc., No. 3:20-cv-30144, a federal district court in Massachusetts took the unusual step of precluding an employer from discharging an employee who claimed an inability to work in the office due to a disability, and ordered the employer to allow

Massachusetts employers subject to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may be wondering whether and how to amend their existing FMLA policies for consistency with the new Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Law (PFMLL), under which employees will be eligible to take paid medical and family leave starting on January 1, 2021. There is still time to adjust FMLA policies, but one aspect of a typical FMLA policy might require prompt attention: the method for calculating the 12-month period applicable to an employee’s leave entitlement. Most employers use the “rolling look-back” method, but this option is not available under the PFMLL. If an employer wishes to change its FMLA policy to align with the PFMLL in this area the employer must bear in mind that FMLA regulations require 60 days’ notice to employees before making a change.

The Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General has created a new Data Privacy and Security Division. This Division is charged with protecting consumers from the threats to the privacy and security of their data. The Attorney General, Maura Healey, announced “The Data Privacy and Security Division will build on our

Following a truncated period of public comment and hearings, the Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave (Department) released the final regulations under the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Law (PFML), effective July 24, 2020.  Beginning on January 1, 2021, all private Massachusetts employers

The Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML) just issued final regulations implementing the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Law (PFMLL). Employees will become eligible for paid time off under the PFMLL starting on January 1, 2021. Between now and then, we anticipate that the DFML will be issuing additional guidance on the logistics, sample healthcare provider certification forms, and other compliance assistance information and documents. In the meantime, we are pleased to provide this HRW Client Alert discussing a number of important “big picture” issues raised by the regulations for employers to consider now.

On Friday, July 24, 2020, Governor Baker signed a bill designating Juneteenth (June 19th) as an annual state holiday in Massachusetts.  In doing so, Governor Baker stated that this designation would help “recognize the continued need to ensure racial freedom and equality.”  This designation also creates new obligations for

On July 24, 2020, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker issued COVID-19 Order No. 45, an “Order Instituting a Mandatory 14-Day Quarantine Requirement for Travelers Arriving in Massachusetts,” which takes effect August 1. Please click here for a copy of the Order. Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) issued related guidance, which is available by clicking here.

Massachusetts has issued strict new travel restrictions, including quarantine requirements, unless the person is coming from a “lower-risk state,” has proof of a negative COVID-19 test, or meets certain narrow exemptions.

In response to the COVID-19 epidemic, Massachusetts had initially issued “instructions” asking visitors to the Commonwealth from out-of-state

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced that Phase III of the Massachusetts Reopening Plan will begin on Monday, July 6, 2020 along with an updated order on gatherings. For the City of Boston, Phase III and the gatherings order will take effect on Monday, July 13. Phase III allows additional sectors to reopen, including gyms, fitness centers, and museums. Governor Baker stated that this phase will last significantly longer than the first two phases. He also stated Phase IV will not begin until there are therapeutics or a vaccine available.