EMPLOYEE PERSONAL INFORMATION

The Massachusetts Office for Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) recently issued regulations, effective May 1, 2009, requiring that every business develop comprehensive written procedures and policies to ensure that personal information of Massachusetts’ residents is protected. Every employer possessing personal information about their employees will need to comply with the requirements. Read More

 

PRESIDENT OBAMA EXPANDS EMPLOYEES’ EQUAL PAY RIGHTS

Under a newly enacted federal law, unlawful discrimination occurs every time compensation is paid pursuant to a prior discriminatory compensation decision or practice. This new legislation – President Obama’s first enactment – is called the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, as it effectively overturns a 2007 Supreme Court decision in which the Court ruled that Ms. Ledbetter had filed her equal pay case against Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. too late. Read More

 

SIGNIFICANT NEW FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT REQUIREMENTS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 16, 2009

Revised Department of Labor regulations interpreting the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) became effective January 16, 2009. The regulations make many significant changes to employers’ responsibilities and employees’ rights. They will require employers to amend their FMLA policies, revise FMLA forms, and modify FMLA procedures. Employers must take several steps immediately. Read More

 

AMENDMENTS TO AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2009

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects employees who have, or are regarded as having, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of their major life activities. Substantial amendments to the ADA became effective on January 1, 2009. By these amendments, Congress has made it clear that in recent decisions the United States Supreme Court overly restricted the scope and impact of the ADA. The amendments effectively overturn these Supreme Court ADA decisions and impose greater burdens on employers in a number of important respects. Read More

 

MASSACHUSETTS SUPERIOR COURT DECISION INTERPRETS INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR CRITERIA NARROWLY

A recent Massachusetts Superior Court decision addressing the misclassification of workers as independent contractors reaffirmed the view that if workers are performing services that are part of a company’s core business, they will be deemed employees as a matter of law. Read More

 


CONTACT

Please contact a member of our Employment Law Practice to discuss the impact of these new laws on your company’s policies and practices.

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