An Act relative to treble damages

This bill updates Massachusetts labor laws to allow employees who successfully sue their employers for specific violations to receive triple damages if the violation was willful. The changes apply to workers filing complaints under sections 27, 27F, 27G, and 27H of Chapter 149, enabling them to seek compensation for lost wages and benefits in addition to injunctive relief. To qualify for these enhanced penalties, an employee must first file a complaint with the attorney general and wait 90 days before suing, unless the attorney general agrees to a shorter timeline. If a violation is found not to be willful, the employee will still receive court-determined damages for their losses along with legal fees and costs. These provisions aim to strengthen enforcement by offering a financial incentive for employees to pursue legal action against employers who knowingly break the law.