Employment-related FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions about employment related issues such as minimum wage, workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and more.  

Workplace rights information

The Office of the Attorney General works to protect employees from exploitation by an employer; prosecute employers who are failing to follow the Commonwealth's wage and hour laws; and set a level playing field that the Commonwealth's employers can follow. Learn more about worker rights regarding prevailing wage, minimum wage, payment of wages, overtime, tip pooling, child labor, Sunday and holiday premium pay laws, and more in this section of the Attorney General's website.

Multi-lingual workplace rights information

Wage and hour regulations

Massachusetts laws provides a minimum set of standards for when, how and how much employees must be paid. Learn more about these requirements in this section of the Attorney General's website, including minimum wage, tips, overtime, vacation, "small necessities leave," meal breaks, and Sunday and holiday openings. Also find instructions for filing a wage complaint, and information about an employee's private right to sue.

Minimum wage and overtime FAQs

The Minimum Fair Wage Law and Regulations address not only the payment of the basic minimum wage but also overtime; the minimum wage for tipped employees; reporting pay; on-duty or on-call time; travel time and expenses; deductions for lodging, meals, and uniforms; and wage records that employers are required to keep.

Workplace health and safety

You have the right to a safe workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) was passed to prevent workers from being killed or seriously harmed at work. The law requires employers to provide their employees with working conditions that are free of known dangers.  Learn more about your rights here.

Occupational Safety & Health Administration

From the United States Department of Labor (OSHA).  

Workers' compensation

All employers in Massachusetts are required by state law to carry workers' compensation insurance. Find out how workers' compensation works, how to file a claim, the types of benefits available, what to do if your claim is denied and more.

Resources for disabled workers

Here you will find information on hiring disabled workers, assistive technology for the disabled, helpful websites for disabled workers and more.  

Massachusetts law about employment

Learn about child labor, discrimination, employment leave, the hiring process, termination, uniforms, unions, and more.  

Federal employment laws: Assistance for small businesses and workers

The United States Department of Labor offers an interactive elaws Advisor tool to help you find information about a number of federal employment laws. Each Advisor simulates the interaction you might have with an employment law expert. It asks questions and provides answers based on responses given.

Commuting programs and resources

Find resources for improving your commuting experience, and your health, your budget, your well-being and your environment. MassRIDES offers tools for ride sharing, van pooling and bike commuting. Plus Park and Ride locations, tax-saving tips and more.