Don’t Drown In the Tip Pool: An Overview of the Massachusetts Tip Pooling Statute

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Tip pooling is the practice of taking gratuities received from patrons and either pooling all or part of them to be distributed to other employees. It is the typical practice for restaurants, banquet facilities and other places where prepared food or beverages are served to implement some form of tip pooling as part of their…

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POSTED IN: Employment Law, Hospitality Practice Group, News

Employment Alert: Massachusetts Enacts COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave

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On May 28, 2021, Governor Baker signed into law a temporary requirement for employers to provide employees up to 40 hours of COVID-19 emergency paid sick leave (EPSL) and created a $75 Million fund for employers to seek reimbursement. EPSL will start on June 7, 2021 and remain in effect until September 30, 2021 or…

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POSTED IN: COVID-19, Employment Law, News

Employment Law Alert: Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Goes into Effect on January 1, 2021

Employment Law Alert: Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Goes into Effect on January 1, 2021 Thumbnail

Given the tumultuous nature of 2020, Mass Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) may have not surprisingly flown under the radar for many employers. However, starting on January 1st, most of PFML goes into effect. RIW’s prior client alerts summarize the PFML as well as employer’s obligations. Further information published by the Department of Family…

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POSTED IN: Employment Law, News

House Passes Families First Coronavirus Response Act

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Last Saturday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to address the anticipated economic impacts of the Coronavirus outbreak and to provide support to affected Americans. Although the bill may be subject to changes, it is expected that the Senate will pass the bill and it will be signed into…

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POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, COVID-19, Employment Law, News

Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Act: Upcoming Compliance Deadlines Alert

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While the Massachusetts’ Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) does not officially go into effect until January 1, 2021, employers must notify employees by September 30, 2019 and begin deducting withholdings as of October 1, 2019. Unlike the Federal Family Medical Leave Act, PFML applies to all employers and may also include independent contractors. PFML offers…

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POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, Employment Law

Massachusetts Minimum Wage Changes For Tipped Employees

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Starting January 1, 2019, the “Grand Bargain” Law, in addition to increasing the minimum wage from $11 to $12 per hour, changed both the tip credit employees receive and how tip credit is calculated. The changes in calculation could have a significant impact on restaurant’s payroll practices in the short term. The tip credit allows…

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POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, Employment Law

RIW Employment Attorney Dave Robinson Quoted in Boston Herald Article Regarding Recreational Marijuana Legal Ramifications

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RIW employment attorney Dave Robinson quoted in Boston Herald article regarding Recreational Marijuana Legal Ramifications. Full article. 

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POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, Employment Law, News

Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave – Next Steps for Employers

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Recently, Massachusetts passed as part of the “grand bargain,” a law creating paid family and medical leave for all eligible employees in the state. Following New York and California’s lead, the paid family and medical leave law in Massachusetts will be available for employees in 2021. The new law provides for the following types of…

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POSTED IN: Employment Law, News

Massachusetts Equal Pay Act Goes Into Effect – What Employers Need to Know…

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On July 1, 2018 the Massachusetts Equal Pay Act (“MEPA”) went into effect, which combats gender-based pay disparities within Massachusetts. The goal of MEPA is to ensure fairness and equity in the workplace while clarifying what constitutes unlawful wage discrimination. With its more liberal application and multiple damages, employers must become aware of the implications…

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POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, Employment Law

RIW Employment Attorney Dave Robinson Quoted in Boston Globe Article on Massachusetts’ New Pay Equity Law

RIW Employment Attorney Dave Robinson Quoted in Boston Globe Article on Massachusetts’ New Pay Equity Law Thumbnail

RIW employment attorney Dave Robinson quoted in Boston Globe article on Massachusetts’ new pay equity law:  Full article.

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POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, Employment Law