A recent decision from the Massachusetts Superior Court held that workers at a day spa were not entitled to Sunday “premium pay” under the Commonwealth’s Blue Laws. This decision departs from the Massachusetts courts’ typical...more
Last summer, as part of a COVID-19-related spending bill, the Massachusetts legislature added Juneteenth Independence Day (June 19) to the list of premium pay holidays in the Commonwealth’s “Blue Laws.” Juneteenth now joins...more
Seyfarth Synopsis: As we prepare to enter 2020, employers with a presence in Massachusetts should be mindful of certain changes to the wage and hour laws that will take effect in the new year. Most of these changes stem...more
In one fell swoop, Massachusetts has set in motion a plan to increase its minimum wage to $15.00 per hour and create a comprehensive paid family and medical leave program as the result of a “grand bargain” between employee...more
Judge Sanders issued an interesting summary-judgment decision in Bassett v. Triton Technologies. She teed up the issue this way...more
Separation of church and state? Not so much when it comes to some liquor laws. For centuries, the so-called “blue laws” have placed restrictions on the sale of alcohol in Massachusetts. To be clear, the U.S. Supreme Court...more
Massachusetts law requires most retail employers to pay employees time and a half for work performed on Sundays and certain holidays. In a case of first impression, a Massachusetts Superior Court judge recently held that...more
A trend sweeping the nation, and perhaps, North Carolina? By statute, North Carolina allows on-premises alcohol sales statewide from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. every day, except Sundays, when alcohol service cannot begin...more
Seyfarth Synopsis: When Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on a Sunday, as they do this year, the holidays are legally observed on the following Monday in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Employers in these states therefore...more
‘Tis the season to eat turkey, drink pumpkin-flavored lattes, and, of course, shop. With Black Friday and the holiday season just around the corner, it is important for retailers to remember that Massachusetts has specific...more
Seyfarth Synopsis: Recently, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed a law amending the Commonwealth’s “blue laws.” The blue laws prohibit business activities on Sundays and holidays, unless the activity fits within a...more
Warehouses and delivery centers in Massachusetts can be opened on Sundays and holidays under a provision in the new economic development law amending the state’s “blue laws.” The Massachusetts blue laws, with a list of 55...more
Now that the lazy days of summer are over and fall is here, it’s a good time for Massachusetts employers to perform a “checkup” on their policies and procedures to make sure they are compliant with Massachusetts law before...more
The budget gridlock rumors on Jones Street are real. A decorated Christmas tree arrived in the Senate chamber this week to emphasize how far apart the two chambers are on next year’s spending plan. Next year starts on...more
A contentious week on Jones Street ends on a sad note. As the General Assembly takes up (or doesn’t) issues relating to abortion, economic incentives, access to guns, access to healthcare, tax fairness, Medicaid reform and...more
Over the past several years, many retailers have moved up the start times of their “Black Friday” sales so that they start on Thursday—which is Thanksgiving—instead of Friday. Despite some public disapproval, this move...more