By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1359) of Michael O. Moore for legislation relative to municipal unemployment insurance reform. Labor and Workforce Development.
This bill (HD 658) changes how unemployment benefits are calculated for workers with irregular schedules. It modifies the law to use wages from the two highest quarters (instead of just the single highest quarter) when determining benefit amounts. If using this two-quarter method makes a worker ineligible for benefits, the bill ensures they receive a minimum payment equal to 1/26th of their total wages reported in those two quarters. This directly affects hourly or part-time workers whose earnings vary significantly between pay periods.
This bill requires employers planning large layoffs to give 60 days' written notice to the state commissioner before implementing a "mass layoff" (defined as cutting 25% of a site's workforce or at least 200 workers within 30 days). It directly affects employers who must notify the state before such layoffs, and employees who may lose benefits if notice is not provided. Key provisions include mandating notice that includes details required by federal law, adding penalties for non-compliance (back pay and benefits for up to 60 days), and creating exemptions for physical calamities or employers actively seeking capital. The law aims to give workers time to seek new jobs or benefits by ensuring advance notice of significant workforce reductions.
This bill increases unemployment benefits for low-wage workers by changing how benefits are calculated. It sets weekly benefits at 50% of a worker's average weekly wage (capped at 57.5% of the state average wage, with a minimum of 20% or 75% of the worker's own wage, whichever is lower). It reduces the total benefit cap from 30 times the weekly rate to 26 times during periods of low statewide unemployment (below 5.1% in 10 metro areas), while adding protections to prevent benefit reductions if eligibility requirements aren't met. These changes directly affect low-wage workers filing for unemployment during the 2023-2024 benefit year.
SD 2039 modifies Massachusetts unemployment law to clarify when workers affected by labor disputes can receive benefits. It establishes a 30-day waiting period for benefits if unemployment stems from a labor dispute, but exempts workers if the dispute involves an employer failing to follow contracts, wage laws, or collective bargaining agreements. The bill also protects workers during lockouts (employer-imposed work stoppages), preventing benefit denial if employees are ready to work and the employer cannot prove union-caused property damage. This directly affects workers in disputes over wages, hours, or working conditions, ensuring eligibility unless they actively participated in the dispute or belong to the same worker group causing it.
HD 522 increases unemployment insurance benefits for low-wage workers in Massachusetts. It changes how weekly benefits are calculated, setting a minimum of 20% of the average weekly wage for all covered workers (or 75% of the individual’s wage, whichever is lower), while capping the maximum at 57.5% of the average wage. The bill also reduces the maximum total benefits from 30 times the weekly rate to 26 times, but only if unemployment stays below 5.1% across all 10 Massachusetts metro areas for 10 months. Crucially, it ensures individuals cannot lose benefits if the unemployment threshold isn’t met during their benefit year.
SD 1802 strengthens wage theft protections by requiring employers to provide new written wage notices to employees within 10 days of hire, detailing pay rates, benefits, and company details. It establishes joint liability for lead contractors, labor contractors, and subcontractors when wage theft occurs, meaning all can be held responsible. The Attorney General gains expanded power to file civil actions for unpaid wages, seeking triple damages and attorney fees, and can pursue injunctive relief. The bill also ensures unemployment benefits are calculated as if wages were properly paid when wage theft is proven during the benefit period. It directly affects employers, contractors, and employees in Massachusetts.
HD 1828 requires employers to provide new written wage notices within 10 days of hire, detailing pay rates, pay schedules, and business contact information in the employee's preferred language. It creates joint liability for wage theft among lead contractors, labor contractors, and subcontractors, holding their officers personally accountable. The Attorney General gains new enforcement powers to sue for treble damages, lost wages, and attorney fees on behalf of affected workers. The bill also adjusts unemployment benefits to account for unpaid wages during the benefit calculation period.
This bill directs the Secretary of Labor to analyze economic harm to commercial fishermen caused by regulatory actions like area closures, gear restrictions, and seasonal closures (including lobster closures for right whale protection). It requires developing a mitigation plan, potentially modifying unemployment insurance to address this specific financial instability. The plan, including any legislative recommendations, must be submitted to both legislative chambers by April 1, 2026. The bill directly affects commercial fishing participants in the Commonwealth facing income disruption due to state or federal regulations.
By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1334) of Cindy F. Friedman for legislation to amend the unemployment insurance law for workers with fluctuating work schedules. Labor and Workforce Development.
