Bill > S227

This bill amends existing Massachusetts law to establish new requirements for employers when relocating or closing certain facilities. Specifically, it defines a "covered establishment" as an industrial, commercial, or healthcare facility employing 100 or more people, and an "employer" as the owner or operator of such a facility. The bill defines "relocation" as moving 100 or more miles away from the original location. Under these new provisions, employers who relocate or terminate a covered establishment are required to provide severance pay to eligible employees, calculated as at least one week's pay for each year of employment at that establishment, to be paid within one regular pay period after the employee's last day. However, this severance pay is not required if the relocation is due to a physical calamity, if the employee accepts a job at the new location, or if the employee has worked for less than three years. Employers who violate these severance pay requirements will be liable for the unpaid amounts, and employees or labor organizations can sue to recover them. Additionally, employers must notify the secretary of labor in writing at least 60 days before relocating or terminating a covered establishment, with a penalty of up to $500 for violations, unless the relocation is due to a physical calamity or the lack of notice is due to unforeseen circumstances.