Unpaid Wages Laws in Massachusetts

Unpaid Wages Laws in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has specific laws in place to protect employees’ rights when it comes to unpaid wages. Please keep in mind that laws can change over time, so it’s essential to consult the latest information or seek legal advice for the most up-to-date guidance from an experienced labor law attorney.

Here are some key aspects of unpaid wages laws in Massachusetts:

1. Minimum Wage: Massachusetts has a minimum wage law that required employers to pay their employees at least the state minimum wage. The minimum wage may change over time due to legislative updates.
2. Overtime Pay: Massachusetts also has laws governing overtime pay. In general, employees were entitled to receive overtime pay for all hours worked over 40 hours in a workweek at a rate of 1.5 times their regular hourly wage.
3. Prompt Payment: Massachusetts law requires employers to pay employees their earned wages in a timely manner. Regular wages should generally be paid within six days after the end of the pay period in which the wages were earned. Any employee leaving his/her employment shall be paid in full on the following regular pay day, and, in the absence of a regular pay day, on the following Saturday. Any employee discharged from employment shall be paid in full on the day of his/her discharge.
4. Wage and Hour Laws: Massachusetts has established the Massachusetts Wage Act, which provided legal remedies for employees who were not paid their wages as required by law. If an employer violated wage and hour laws, employees could take legal action to recover unpaid wages, often including treble damages (three times the amount owed), as well as attorney’s fees.
5. Wage Theft Prevention Act: Massachusetts has a Wage Theft Prevention Act in place to address issues related to wage theft. This law aimed to protect workers from various forms of wage theft, such as underpayment or non-payment of wages.
6. Record-Keeping Requirements: Companies in Massachusetts with over 50 employees are required to maintain accurate records of employees’ wages, hours worked, and other relevant employment information.
7. Retaliation Protection: Massachusetts law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who assert their rights to unpaid wages or report wage violations to the appropriate authorities.

It’s important to note that labor laws can change over time, and new regulations may have been enacted since this post. If you believe your employer has violated wage and hour laws or you have unpaid wage claims in Massachusetts, it is advisable to consult with an employment attorney or contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office or the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards for the most current information and guidance on your specific situation. Additionally, you may want to refer to the official Massachusetts state government website for the latest updates on labor laws and regulations in the state. For questions on Unpaid Wages or Discrimination in Massachusetts, Contact Shapiro Law Group, for a Free Initial Consultation! 339-298-2300.