Terminations: Obligation to Pay Final Wages Upon Termination in Massachusetts

The current economic downturn has resulted in a staggering number of employment terminations, or layoffs. Yet, despite the volume of terminations, some employers in Massachusetts remain unaware of the termination pay requirements contained in the Massachusetts Payment of Wages Act, M.G.L. c. 149, §148. Given that wage claims are on the rise and penalties for non-compliance can be substantial, including mandatory triple damages, employers should understand their obligations under the Act. Read what Massachusetts employment lawyers at Morse, Barnes-Brown & Pendleton have to say on the subject: Download their Employment Law Advisor newsletter by clicking on: Final Wages Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Employment Law Guide - Boston Bar Association

WALTHAM, MA — The new Massachusetts Employment Law Guide published by the Labor & Employment Law Section of the Boston Bar Association is available for free. The 134-page guide is the result of a bipartisan group of lawyers representing both management and employees, and is intended to provide an overview of Massachusetts employment law for small and medium sized companies. The complete guide is available for the Boston Bar and can also be conveniently located and downloaded on mbbp.com by clicking on the title, Employment Law Guide: A Practical Guide to Understanding Massachusetts Employment Law.

Authors of the guide include Attorneys Mark H. Burak, Justine H. Brousseau, Anthony J. Cichhello, David Henderson, Andrew C. Pickett, and Valarie Samuels.

In Down Economy, Bone Up on Separation Agreements

With the economy in a slow down, and employee terminations looming, a timely article for employers and HR professionals is offered by Massachusetts employment lawyer Robert Shea. In Reducing Staff in a Down Economy: Handling Terminations and Using Separation Agreements, Shea writes:

Despite the general rule that the employment relationship is “at-will” and can be terminated at any time, with or without notice, reason or cause, there are many exceptions to the at-will rule, making each termination open to potential legal challenge. Moreover, when the job market is difficult and terminated employees have a hard time finding work, they are more likely to pursue litigation against their former employer. In our practice, we are witnessing first-hand both the increase in terminations and the corresponding increase in lawsuits by terminated employees.

Read the article for more information on handling terminations, using separation agreements, and steps employers can take to reduce the risk of legal claims and liability in a challenging economic environment.

Massachusetts Healthcare Reform Act and Health Insurance

Big changes are happening in Massachusetts health care. Most adults must now carry health insurance, and employers must be aware of new rules. The Commonwealth Connector is a web site that provides tools and facts to help find the right health plan for individuals and employers. Also see what Massachusetts employment lawyers have to say on the topic in: Massachusetts Health Care Reform Act: What Employers Need To Know a downloadable PDF newsletter.