Labor & Employment (Labor Standards) in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1583: An Act to prevent child labor exploitation and trafficking

This bill amends Massachusetts child labor laws to close a loophole allowing minors to work in seafood processing. It removes the previous seasonal exemption for fish processing (Section 3) and explicitly prohibits child labor in seafood packing or processing facilities (Sections 1, 2, 4, 5). The bill significantly increases penalties for violations, raising fines from hundreds to up to $100,000 (Sections 6, 7, 9, 11) and adding jail time of up to six months. These changes directly affect minors working in seafood facilities and employers who violate child labor rules in this sector.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Child Labor Labor Standards

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3227: An Act allowing for airline catering to be considered covered employees

This bill expands minimum wage coverage to include employees of airline catering companies working under agreements with the Massachusetts Port Authority. Specifically, it defines "airline catering" as food/beverage preparation, assembly, and delivery to aircraft or nearby airport locations, classifying these workers as "Covered Employees" under the Port Authority's existing minimum wage policy. The Massachusetts Port Authority must update its policy within 30 days to reflect this change. The bill directly affects catering staff at Boston Logan Airport who previously may not have been covered under the policy.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Minimum Wage

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1793: An Act clarifying the prevailing wage act to protect actions by the attorney general

This bill (SD 1793) clarifies Massachusetts' prevailing wage law to streamline how employees can pursue legal action for unpaid wages. It specifies that the 3-year deadline for employees to sue employers for violations pauses (is "tolled") while the Attorney General investigates a complaint they filed, resuming only after the AG issues a letter authorizing a private lawsuit or finalizes an enforcement action. Employees who win such lawsuits will receive triple damages for lost wages and benefits, plus court costs and attorney fees. The bill applies directly to workers on projects covered by prevailing wage laws, primarily in construction, who have reported violations to the Attorney General.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Labor Standards

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3994: An Act requiring certain employers to establish and maintain a human resources department

HD 3994 requires Massachusetts employers with 25 or more employees to maintain a full-time human resources (HR) department, while employers with fewer than 25 employees must maintain a part-time HR department staffed by at least one person. The HR department must handle key functions including employee relations, benefits administration, recruitment, training, compliance with labor laws, and recordkeeping. Employers failing to comply may face complaints and action from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division. The law takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Labor Standards

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3976: An Act establishing a minimum wage for employees of airline catering companies

This bill requires employees of airline catering companies working under agreements with the Massachusetts Port Authority at Logan Airport (including off-site locations near the airport) to be paid the same hourly wage as other airport service workers like wheelchair assistants, skycaps, and janitorial staff. It defines "airline catering" to include food preparation, assembly, and delivery to aircraft at Logan Airport. The law mandates that any necessary wage adjustments for these workers must be implemented within 30 days of the bill's effective date. The policy directly affects catering workers at Logan Airport under specific port agreements, aligning their pay with other airport service roles.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Minimum Wage

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2024: An Act to prohibit mandatory overtime

This bill prohibits mandatory overtime for healthcare workers in specific Massachusetts facilities, including hospitals and certain correctional facilities (excluding long-term care and most correctional settings). It allows overtime only during true emergencies with no reasonable alternatives, requires facilities to seek voluntary coverage first, and limits consecutive work to 16 hours with 8 hours off afterward. Facilities must report all mandatory overtime use to health authorities, and workers cannot face retaliation for refusing overtime beyond these limits. The law directly affects nurses, support staff, and other healthcare personnel in covered facilities, aiming to protect patient safety and staff well-being.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Labor Standards

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2423: An Act relative to wage theft and due process

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1377) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to wage theft and due process. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Workforce Development

passed · Massachusetts · House May 7, 2026

H 2185: An Act to provide fair wages to employees of public institutions of higher education

By Representative Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2185) of Andres X. Vargas and others relative to wages and benefits for employees of public institutions of higher education. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Workforce Development

in committee · Massachusetts · House Jun 5, 2025

HD 4668: An Act relative to damages for employees aggrieved by violations of the Massachusetts Wage Act

By Representative Puppolo of Springfield, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., relative to damages for employees aggrieved by violations of the Massachusetts Wage Act. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Workforce Development

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 9, 2026

S 1367: An Act to prevent heat-related illness in public sector outdoor workers

By Ms. Rausch, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1367) of Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to establish a standard for prevention of heat illness in outdoor public sector workers. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Workforce Development

All labor & employment bills