Massachusetts Employee Rights Lawyers
Top Employee Rights Attorney Assisting Clients Throughout Massachusetts
Workers in Massachusetts have rights under federal, state, and local labor regulations. Among other things, employers must comply with certain wage regulations, hiring/firing practices, and discrimination laws. If your rights were violated, you may have a valid legal claim for damages, including back pay, future pay, attorney’s fees, and injunctive relief.
If you have questions or concerns about your rights as an employee, it is extremely important to speak with a knowledgeable Massachusetts employee rights attorney. In employment law cases, workers only have limited time to take action. At Console Mattiacci Law, LLC, our Massachusetts employee rights attorneys have the skills and experience needed to protect your interests. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Learning More About Employee Rights in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, there are many different state laws that protect employees. For example, Massachusetts wage and hour laws require that an employer pay minimum wage and that the employer provides compensation for overtime, sick time, and meal breaks. Under these laws, employers also must engage in required record-keeping activities to remain in compliance.
Under the Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA), it is unlawful for an employer to treat a worker differently based on the worker’s identity as a member of a protected class. For example, race, religion, and sex are protected classes. In addition, discrimination on the basis of a worker’s disability is also unlawful.
Above and beyond Massachusetts state labor regulations, there are also federal laws that protect workers against unlawful discrimination and harassment. Though, as a general matter, state laws tend to provide greater protection to workers in Massachusetts.
Discrimination is Prohibited in Massachusetts Workplaces
Many different types of discrimination are unlawful under Massachusetts law. Some notable protected characteristics include:
- Race;
- Color;
- Religious creed;
- National origin;
- Ancestry;
- Sex;
- Gender identity;
- Sexual orientation;
- Age;
- Criminal record (inquiries about criminal records);
- Handicap or disability;
- Mental illness;
- Military status; and
- Genetics.
It is important to note that Massachusetts prohibits both sexual orientation discrimination and gender identity discrimination, which are protections that go beyond those available under federal law. Both Massachusetts sex discrimination prohibitions and the federal prohibition against sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 include discrimination on the basis of pregnancy and sexual harassment. To be clear, sexual harassment is unlawful as a form of sex discrimination.
How a Massachusetts Employment Lawyer Can Help with Workplace Legal Matters
Massachusetts employers must respect the rights of all workers. If your rights were violated, it is strongly recommended that you consult with an experienced attorney. Your attorney will be able to review the specific nature of your claim, explain your legal options to you, and help you take the appropriate steps to get justice. At Console Mattiacci Law, LLC, we serve Massachusetts employees in a wide variety of employment issues, such as:
- Discrimination;
- Wage violations;
- Retaliation;
- Wrongful termination;
- Denying leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or the Massachusetts Small Necessities Leave Act (SNLA);
- Denying disability leave;
- Denying benefits or another form of compensation; and
- Violating terms of an employment contract.
Massachusetts Employment Lawyer Fighting for Employee Rights
If your rights have been violated in the workplace, it is important to discuss your options with a Massachusetts employee rights lawyer as soon as possible. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances. To schedule a fully confidential review of your employment law case, please do not hesitate to contact the legal team at Console Mattiacci Law, LLC online, or by calling 617-665-6740.