This bill amends Massachusetts workers' compensation law to deny benefits to employees injured due to "serious willful misconduct," including intoxication or illegal drug use (as defined by state law). It directly affects workers who cause their own injuries through intentional actions like being under the influence or using controlled substances. The key change removes prior exceptions for such misconduct, though it maintains that dependents may still receive benefits if the injury results in death. The policy shifts eligibility by explicitly barring compensation for these specific self-inflicted injury scenarios.
This bill (HD 3746) requires Massachusetts public school districts to maintain established school schedules and structured learning time during teacher strikes. It directly affects school districts and teachers by mandating that districts cannot reduce instructional hours or eliminate required learning time under state education regulations (603 CMR 27.03 and 27.04) when public school employees strike. The key provision adds a specific requirement to labor law, ensuring schools continue operating under their standard academic calendar during strikes. This policy change focuses on maintaining educational continuity for students during labor disputes.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1375) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to preserve employer autonomy relative to employee leave. Labor and Workforce Development.
By Representative McKenna of Sutton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2148) of Joseph D. McKenna relative to public health prevailing wage exemptions. Labor and Workforce Development.
SD 508 amends Chapter 175M of the General Laws to change protections for employees who take leave or participate in workplace proceedings. It shortens the timeframe for employers to defend against retaliation claims from 6 months to 3 months and removes the legal presumption that employer actions were retaliatory. The bill also eliminates the requirement for employers to prove their actions were justified with "clear and convincing evidence" if they claim the employee's leave use wasn't the reason for the action. This directly affects employers facing retaliation claims and employees seeking to challenge workplace retaliation. The changes make it easier for employers to defend against such claims by reducing the burden of proof.
HD 1367 amends unemployment compensation rules for workers affected by labor disputes. It states that workers lose benefits for 30 days if unemployment stems from a labor dispute, unless the employer hires a permanent replacement (which must be certified as permanent). Key exceptions include disputes over unmet contract terms or laws on wages/hours, workers unemployed during contract negotiations (benefits until strike begins), and workers not recalled within one week after a dispute ends. The bill also clarifies that lockouts cannot deny benefits if workers are ready to work under existing terms, unless the lockout responds to union-caused property damage despite employer safety efforts. (HD 1367, An Act relative to unemployment compensation and labor disputes)
This bill (SD 1029) changes rules for strikes by most public employees in Massachusetts. It requires 6 months of mandatory negotiation before non-public-safety employees (like teachers or clerical staff) can strike, replacing vague "reasonable period" language with a specific timeframe. It also limits mediation to no more than 6 months and clarifies that public safety employees (police, firefighters) remain permanently barred from striking under any circumstances. The bill directly affects non-public-safety public employees' ability to engage in work stoppages during initial contract negotiations.
By Representative Jones of North Reading, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2136) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others relative to employers under paid family medical leave. Labor and Workforce Development.
