If you are employed in the state of Massachusetts, it’s important to understand the laws that your employer must follow when compensating you for your hard work. Familiarizing yourself with the Massachusetts Wage Act guide can help you determine if your employer is violating your rights.
If you have reason to believe that your employer is violating your rights under the Massachusetts Wage Act, you’ll want to meet with a Boston wage theft and overtime pay dispute lawyer from Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard. Our highly experienced team can assess your situation and pursue compensation on your behalf.
A Guide to the Massachusetts Wage Act
The Massachusetts Wage Act exists to ensure employees receive their wage in a timely manner. According to the law, your employer must pay you your full wage within six days of the end of the pay period. It’s important to note that commissions must be included in the wages you receive.
Additionally, if your employment is terminated, your employer must pay your full wage, including any unused vacation time upon termination.
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Common Violations of the Massachusetts Wage Act
If you’re looking for guidance on the Massachusetts Wage Act, it can be helpful to learn about common violations of the act. Familiarize yourself with the following common violations to determine if your employer has violated your rights:
Wage Deductions
Massachusetts law prohibits employers from making unauthorized deductions from your paycheck. Exceptions to this law include making dedications for union dues, income tax, wage garnishment, and health insurance premiums. If you believe your employer has made an unauthorized deduction to your wages, they may have violated your rights.
Misclassification
Misclassification occurs when an employer incorrectly classifies you as an independent contractor instead of an employee in order to pay you less or avoid abiding by other rules set forth by the Massachusetts Wage Act. If you believe you’ve been misclassified, you could be missing out on the wages you deserve.
However, determining whether or not you should be categorized as an employee or independent contractor can be difficult. Fortunately, a skilled lawyer can determine if you’ve been misclassified and provide further guidance on the Massachusetts Wage Act.
Late Payment of Wages
Late payment of wages is one of the most common violations of the Massachusetts Wage Act. When an employer fails to pay your weekly or bi-weekly wages within six days of the end of the pay period, you have the right to file a complaint. If successful, you could receive up to triple the amount of unpaid wages, even if your wages were paid as little as one day late.
Failure to Pay the Prevailing Wage
Failing to pay the prevailing wage to public works project employees is another violation of the law. The prevailing wage is set by federal or state law and ensures that public construction project workers receive pay that complies with industry standards.
If your employer hasn’t paid you the prevailing wage, you may have grounds for a claim. An attorney can determine if your rights have been violated and take appropriate legal action against your employer for their violation.
What to Do if Your Rights Under the Massachusetts Wage Act Have Been Violated
If your employer has failed to abide by the protections set out in the Massachusetts Wage Act Guide, you may be entitled to pursue compensation. However, you won’t want to represent yourself. Instead, it’s strongly recommended that you hire an experienced attorney.
Without a skilled lawyer, you could make mistakes that hurt your chances of obtaining the financial remedies you’re owed. With a seasoned attorney by your side, your chances of receiving a positive outcome will increase dramatically.
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How a Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim Under the Massachusetts Wage Act
If you’ve experienced financial losses due to a Massachusetts Wage Act violation, there are many steps that an attorney can take to help you pursue justice and compensation. Here’s what a dedicated lawyer can do to get the results you deserve:
- Investigate your situation
- Gather and analyze pay stubs, financial records, witness testimony, and other pieces of evidence
- Use evidence to construct a compelling claim on your behalf
- Represent you during legal proceedings and court trials
- Present convincing evidence and legal arguments throughout your case
- Fight for the financial remedies you need to move forward
- Answer any questions you have about the Massachusetts Wage Act Guide
As you can see, there’s a lot that an attorney can do to help you recover losses after a Massachusetts Wage Act violation. Reach out to a Boston employment and labor lawyer today to learn more about the benefits of hiring a committed legal representative to handle your case.
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Schedule a Free Consultation With a Dedicated Lawyer Today
Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the Massachusetts Wage Act Guide, it’s time to get the legal help you need to hold your employer accountable for their violation. At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, our team is committed to helping hardworking individuals like you get the remedies they’re owed.
We have years of experience filing wage theft claims and other employment-related actions. You can rest assured that we have the knowledge and resources required to make your claim as successful as possible. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an attorney from our firm and learn more about your legal options moving forward.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form