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.
By Representatives Nguyen of Andover and Gordon of Bedford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2150) of Tram T. Nguyen, Kenneth I. Gordon and others for legislation to increase unemployment insurance benefits for low wage workers. Labor and Workforce Development.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1320) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to increase unemployment insurance benefits for low wage workers. Labor and Workforce Development.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1319) of Paul R. Feeney and Jason M. Lewis for legislation relative to unemployment compensation and labor disputes. Labor and Workforce Development.
By Representative Sabadosa of Northampton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2168) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa and Patrick Joseph Kearney relative to unemployment compensation and labor disputes. Labor and Workforce Development.
