Labor & Employment (Gig Economy) in Massachusetts

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 26, 2026

S 1305: An Act establishing protections and accountability for Delivery Network Company workers, consumers, and communities

By Ms. Edwards, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1305) of Lydia Edwards, Michael D. Brady, Patricia D. Jehlen, John F. Keenan and others for legislation to establish protections and accountability for Delivery Network Company workers, consumers, and communities. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Gig Economy Labor Standards Workforce Development

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 656: An Act amending the Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave Law definitions of a covered business entity and a covered contract worker

This bill amends Massachusetts' Paid Family Medical Leave Law by updating key definitions. It redefines a "covered business entity" as any business where 50% or more of its workforce consists of non-employee contractors (not classified as employees under Chapter 151A). It also redefines a "covered contract worker" as an individual not classified as an employee who requires employers to contribute to the Family and Employment Security Trust Fund. These changes directly affect businesses using significant contractor labor and those contract workers now eligible for the leave program. The bill adjusts the legal definitions to expand eligibility under the existing leave law, without changing benefit amounts or core program rules.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Gig Economy Paid Leave

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1179: An Act securing the application of Massachusetts law to employees of employers incorporated or operating in Massachusetts who provide their labor and services remotely

This bill ensures Massachusetts labor laws apply to remote workers who perform services for employers based in Massachusetts, regardless of where the worker lives. It directly affects remote employees working for companies incorporated, headquartered, or operating in Massachusetts. The key provision states that Massachusetts law governs all employment terms (like pay, benefits, and working conditions) unless the employer and employee have a clear, written, individually negotiated contract specifying another jurisdiction's laws - and the employer complies with that jurisdiction's requirements. If the contract's chosen jurisdiction isn't followed, Massachusetts law automatically applies. The law takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Gig Economy

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 722: An Act establishing protections and accountability for Delivery Network Company workers, consumers, and communities

This bill establishes that app-based delivery workers (like those for food or package delivery apps) are presumed to be employees of Delivery Network Companies (DNCs) for wage and labor purposes. It requires DNCs to pay at least the state minimum wage for all "working time" (including both delivery time and time spent waiting for assignments), or 150% of minimum wage for delivery time if workers control their schedule. DNCs must provide detailed payroll data to the Department of Labor, including hours worked, pay rates, and incentives, and publish quarterly reports on average wages and hours by location. The bill directly affects app-based delivery workers and the companies using them, changing how their compensation is calculated and reported.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Gig Economy Labor Standards Minimum Wage

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3356: An Act establishing protections and accountability for DNC workers, consumers, and communities

This bill reclassifies app-based delivery workers (like food or package couriers for companies such as DoorDash) as employees for wage purposes, requiring delivery network companies to pay them at least the state minimum wage for all "working time" (including both assigned delivery tasks and standby time). Companies must calculate wages to ensure workers earn the minimum wage on average for their first 40 hours per week, with an option to pay 150% of minimum wage for assigned time only if workers control their schedule. The bill mandates detailed payroll reporting for companies, including breakdowns of assigned time, standby time, and wages, and requires quarterly publication of aggregated data on pay and hours. It directly affects app-based delivery workers and the companies that employ them across Massachusetts.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Gig Economy Labor Standards Minimum Wage

passed · Massachusetts · House Sep 4, 2025

H 2141: An Act relative to employee definition harmonization

By Representatives Livingstone of Boston and Nguyen of Andover, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2141) of Jay D. Livingstone and Tram T. Nguyen relative to employment under the unemployment insurance program. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Gig Economy Unemployment Workforce Development

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1074: An Act consolidating multiple definitions of employee to prevent misclassification

This bill clarifies that the term "employee" has a consistent definition across Massachusetts labor laws to prevent misclassification. It amends Chapter 149 to include both Chapters 151 and 152 in the definition scope, and adds a cross-reference in Chapter 152 to align with Chapter 149's definition. This directly affects employers and workers in Massachusetts, particularly in cases where worker classification (e.g., employee vs. independent contractor) impacts wages, benefits, or protections. The key mechanism is standardizing the legal definition to reduce inconsistencies that could lead to misclassification under different labor statutes.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Gig Economy Labor Standards

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 288: An Act ensuring domestic violence victims' protections for all employees in the Commonwealth

HD 288 creates new leave protections for contract workers (e.g., staffing agency employees) who are victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or kidnapping. It allows up to 15 days of unpaid leave per year for purposes like seeking medical care, legal help, court appearances, or securing housing related to the abuse. Employers must permit this leave but can decide if it’s paid, require documentation (such as a protective order or sworn statement from a professional), and must keep all related information confidential. The bill specifically excludes regular employees (covered under existing law) and requires contract workers to use other available leave first before taking this leave.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Violent Crime Gig Economy Labor Standards Paid Leave

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1409: An Act relative to independent contractors

This bill changes how Massachusetts defines "employee" versus "independent contractor" for labor laws. It requires that an individual be considered an employee unless they meet all three specific conditions: (1) free from employer control in performing work, (2) work is outside the employer's usual business, and (3) they run an independent trade or business. This directly affects workers and businesses that classify workers as contractors, determining who qualifies for protections under Chapters 149 and 151 (like minimum wage and overtime). The change clarifies the standard for worker classification but does not create new benefits or penalties.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Gig Economy Labor Standards Minimum Wage

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 18, 2025

S 1337: An Act consolidating multiple definitions of employee to prevent misclassification

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1337) of Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to consolidate multiple definitions of employee. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Gig Economy Labor Standards Workforce Development

All labor & employment bills