Workplace Issues in Massachusetts
Key Massachusetts Law
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151B (Law Against Discrimination)
Massachusetts Chapter 151B is one of the most comprehensive anti-discrimination statutes in the country. It prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age (40+), disability, ancestry, genetic information, active military duty, and more. It applies to employers with 6 or more employees and is enforced by the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD).
View official statuteProcedural Details in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Agencies & Resources
Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD)
Enforces Chapter 151B. Workers have 300 days from the discriminatory act to file. MCAD provides an alternative to court litigation.
Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards
Enforces Massachusetts wage and hour laws, paid sick time, and workplace health and safety standards.
Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave
Administers Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave program — up to 20 weeks of paid medical leave and 12 weeks of paid family leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file an employment discrimination complaint in Massachusetts?
Under Chapter 151B, you have 300 days from the date of the discriminatory act to file a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). Massachusetts law provides comprehensive remedies including compensatory and punitive damages. After the MCAD process, workers may also pursue claims in state court with a 3-year statute of limitations.
Does Massachusetts have paid family and medical leave?
Yes. Massachusetts PFML provides eligible workers up to 20 weeks of paid medical leave for their own serious health condition and up to 12 weeks of paid family leave for bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member. Benefits are funded through employee and employer payroll contributions.
What is Massachusetts's minimum wage?
Massachusetts's minimum wage is $15.00 per hour as of January 2023, one of the higher rates in the nation. Tipped employees are subject to a lower direct cash wage, provided tips make up the difference. Some Massachusetts cities may have local living wage ordinances for city contractors.
Can employers in Massachusetts ask about salary history?
No. The Massachusetts Equal Pay Act (MEPA) prohibits employers from seeking salary history from job applicants before making a job offer. Employers also cannot pay workers less than workers of a different gender for "comparable work" — a standard broader than "equal work" under the federal Equal Pay Act.
Related Workplace Issues Scenarios
Can I sue for wrongful termination?
Understanding when firing might be illegal and what your employment rights are.
Can I sue for unpaid wages?
Understanding your rights when an employer doesn't pay what you're owed.
Can I sue for retaliation after reporting workplace safety concerns?
Legal protection against employer retaliation for reporting safety violations or refusing unsafe work.
Can I sue for disability discrimination when employer won't accommodate?
Legal options when employers fail to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified disabilities.
Have a Specific Situation in Massachusetts?
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