Bill > S1335

This bill adds a new section (Section 204) to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 149 that protects employees from contractual waivers that could limit their legal rights in employment-related disputes. Specifically, the bill declares that any contract provisions which waive substantive or procedural rights related to employment discrimination, harassment, wage disputes, or public policy violations are automatically void and unenforceable. The bill prohibits employers from requesting employees to sign such waivers and makes it illegal to retaliate against employees who refuse to sign contracts with these unconscionable provisions. Employers who violate these provisions can be liable for damages and attorneys' fees. The bill also allows employees to void arbitration agreements after a dispute arises and ensures that such disputes will be determined by a court rather than an arbitrator. Enforcement of this law can be undertaken by the Attorney General or the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, depending on the specific rights involved. The law will apply to contracts executed on or after its effective date, and it does not impact collective bargaining agreements. The primary goal of the bill is to protect employees from being forced to waive their legal rights as a condition of employment.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1335