Massachusetts law about employee uniforms

Massachusetts regulations

454 CMR 27.02 and 27.05(4) 
Defines "uniform," explains when an employer must reimburse the employee for care of the uniform, and forbids the requirement of a uniform deposit without express permission. Also, differs from Federal law in requiring employers to pay for uniforms: "An employee or prospective employee who is required to purchase or rent a uniform shall be reimbursed for the actual purchase or rental cost of the uniform."

Massachusetts cases

Camara v. Attorney General, 458 Mass. 756 (2011) 
Because this decision limits the ability of employers to deduct from wages owed and was not limited to situations where the deduction would reduce the employee's wages below the minimum wage threshold, the Department of Labor Standards rescinded its opinion letter on deductions from wages for uniform maintenance.

Web sources

Uniform Deposit Waiver Policy, Mass. Dept. of Labor Division of Occupational Safety 
Explains the "standards that will be applied by the Director in determining whether a request by an employer for a Uniform Deposit Waiver will be granted." See also, Uniform Deposit Waiver/Application.

Last updated:	April 18, 2018