If you are employed in the state of Massachusetts, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with your rights as a worker. Doing so can help you determine if your employer is violating your rights. If you find that you are experiencing unlawful treatment at work, a Boston employment discrimination lawyer from Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard can pursue remedies from your employer.
However, not all disagreeable workplace situations warrant legal action. To find out if you’re eligible to file a claim against your employer, you’ll want to consult this Massachusetts labor and employment guide. The following information, along with guidance from a seasoned lawyer, will help you decide your best course of action.
Massachusetts Labor and Employment Laws Prohibits Workplace Discrimination
One of the most important labor and employment laws in Massachusetts is the Fair Employment Practices Law (FEPL), which makes it illegal for employers with six or more employees to discriminate against workers or potential hires on the basis of the following protected characteristics:
- Sex
- Age, if over 40
- Race or color
- Religion
- National origin
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Ancestry
- Pregnancy status
- Medical conditions related to pregnancy status
- Disability
- Genetic information
- Military or veteran status
If your employer or a potential employer has taken adverse employment action against you because of one of the above-listed protected categories, Massachusetts labor and employment law allows you to sue them. However, doing so can be difficult without a seasoned legal representative. Consider hiring a skilled attorney to help you with your case.
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Employment Retaliation Protections Provided by Massachusetts Labor Laws
In addition to protecting workers from employment discrimination, the FEPL also prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for engaging in the following protected activities:
- Filing a complaint against an employer or potential employer
- Opposing an employer’s illegal practices
- Participating in an investigation that involves an employer
Massachusetts labor and employment laws prohibit employers from taking an adverse employment action against you for participating in one of the above-listed activities. Adverse actions are ones that negatively impact the terms, privileges, or conditions of your employment. Examples of adverse actions include, but aren’t limited to, the following:
- Firing
- Demotion
- Pay cut
- Poor performance review
- And more
Massachusetts Background Check Laws
According to Massachusetts’ “ban the box” law, employers with six or more workers are not allowed to ask job applicants about their criminal history on an application form. That said, employers are permitted to inquire about a potential hire’s criminal background further along in the application process.
Additionally, employers who are prohibited from hiring individuals with criminal histories are allowed to inquire about prior convictions on a job application.
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6 § 171A, employers who possess a copy of an individual’s criminal record must give the individual a copy of the record before asking them about their criminal history or taking adverse action against them because of their criminal history.
If your rights under Massachusetts’ employment and labor background check laws have been violated, don’t hesitate to meet with a lawyer. An experienced attorney can determine if you’re entitled to remedies and help you take the appropriate actions.
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Leave and Time Off Laws in Massachusetts
Massachusetts also has labor and employment laws that protect workers’ rights to take leave and time off. For example, the Massachusetts Parental Leave Act (MPLA) requires employers with six or more workers or employers of domestic workers to provide as much as eight weeks of unpaid leave for:
- The birth of a new child
- The care of a newborn child
- Adoption of a child under 18
- Adoption of a mentally or physically disabled child under the age of 23
The MPLA is just one of the labor and employment laws in Massachusetts that protects your right to take leave and time off. Depending on your unique circumstances, you may be eligible to take time off under one of the following laws:
- Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave law
- Massachusetts Earned Sick Time Law (MESTL)
- Other laws that protect your right to take domestic violence leave, military leave, emergency responder leave, jury duty leave, and more
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Additional Labor and Employment Laws
The above-mentioned protections for Massachusetts employees only scratch the surface of the laws that exist to improve employees’ lives and working conditions. If you are employed in Massachusetts, you may also be protected by the following employment and labor laws:
- Minimum Fair Wage Law
- Wage and Hour laws
- Overtime Law
- Meal break protections
- Child labor laws
- Workplace safety and health protections
While consulting a Massachusetts labor and employment guide can help you determine if your rights have been violated, there’s no replacement for speaking with an experienced Boston labor and employment lawyer. An attorney can review the details of your situation, determine if your employer is in violation of the law, and take legal action on your behalf.
Learn More About Massachusetts’ Labor and Employment Laws
Facing workplace discrimination, retaliation, and other violations can make your life incredibly difficult. Fortunately, the legal team at Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard can advocate on your behalf and help you obtain the remedies you need to move forward with your life and career.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about what a Boston employment discrimination lawyer can do to help. They’ll offer further information about the Massachusetts labor and employment law guide and answer any questions you have about your case.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form