Tips and Traps - Avoid This Common Employer Pitfall

Attorney Liz Khan cautions employers to avoid this common pitfall: Massachusetts Wage and Hour Laws govern all aspects of wages for employees for all employers including nonprofits. MGL c. 149, § 148. Under Massachusetts law, when an employee’s employment ends with their employer, they are entitled to full payment of their last wages as well as any unused accrued vacation time. If the employer fires an employee, the employee must be paid in full on their last day of employment. Employees who resign must be paid in full on the next regular pay date. Employers who fail to pay their employee on time are 100% liable for the employee’s final wages, nondiscretionary damages which are 3x the amount of the wage violation and attorney’s fees. In addition, if a complaint is made to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, they may investigate and impose their own fines and penalties. Please do not make an avoidable and costly mistake. Please contact us if you have any questions