Bill > S1332

This bill clarifies and modifies the process for handling wage disputes and payments for dismissed employees by introducing two key changes. First, the bill amends Section 150 of Chapter 149 of the Massachusetts General Laws to specify various defenses that are not valid when an employer is accused of failing to pay wages, such as preventing employers from using future wage assignments or employee loans as defenses against wage payment complaints. Second, the bill adds a new Section 204 that establishes a "right to cure" mechanism, which allows employers 15 business days to address wage payment deficiencies after receiving a written demand for relief. Under this provision, if an employer fully pays any indisputably due compensation or demonstrates that a wage payment error was made in good faith, they can avoid liability for attorneys' fees and treble damages. Additionally, the bill gives courts discretion to waive statutory or treble damages if the employer can show they acted in good faith and had reasonable grounds for believing they were not violating wage payment laws. These changes aim to provide more clarity and flexibility in resolving wage payment disputes while still protecting employees' rights to fair compensation.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1332