Bill > H2069

This bill amends three sections of Massachusetts labor law to establish wage protection requirements for specific types of workers: trash and recycling collectors, moving contractors, and motor bus pupil transporters. Under the new provisions, any public contract for these services must include a stipulation requiring wages to be paid at rates determined by the state's labor commissioner. These rates must be provided in a detailed schedule that includes job classifications and corresponding wages. The wages must also include payments to health and welfare plans or pension plans, or if no such plans exist, those amounts must be paid directly to employees. The bill allows employees who believe they have been underpaid to file a civil action after 90 days of filing a complaint with the attorney general, and within three years of the violation. If an employee successfully proves a wage violation, they are entitled to treble damages (three times the amount of lost wages), litigation costs, and reasonable attorneys' fees. The bill applies to contracts at the state, county, city, town, and district levels, and any contract that does not include the required wage stipulation will be considered invalid, with no payments to be made under such a contract.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2069