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.

Fair and safe labor practices:

Citizen's guide to state services.


Civil rights, discrimination and harassment

Under state and federal law, it is illegal for employers to discriminate on the basis of race, sex, national origin, disability, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religion when making employment decisions, including hiring, firing, promotion, discipline and pay. Pervasive harassment on those bases, and retaliation against an employee who complains about such harassment, are also illegal. Certain protections also exist for immigrant workers. Check here for more information on  these protections and the  federal and state agencies that enforce or administer these laws.


Massachusetts Maternity Leave Act (MMLA)

Under MMLA, which is enforced by the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, employers with six or more employees are required to grant eight weeks of unpaid maternity leave to eligible employees for the purpose of giving birth or adopting a child.

U.S. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

FMLA provides certain employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year. It also requires that group health benefits be maintained during the leave.

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.  


Child labor and apprenticeships

U.S. and Massachusetts child labor laws restrict when children can work and what jobs they can do. These laws are designed to protect young workers from injury, and to ensure that working time does not unduly interfere with learning. Learn more about child labor laws here, and also learn about Massachusetts apprenticeship programs.


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.


Employer's guide to Massachusetts laws and regulations

Here you'll find information on the laws and regulations that apply to hiring and employing workers in Massachusetts.


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.