The Massachusetts Wage Act, commonly known as the Weekly Wage Law, requires employers in the state to abide by its requirements. There are many wage and hour laws intended to safeguard workers in the state, and this one regulates how wages are paid to employees and ensures that they are paid promptly by their employers. Non-compliance with the legislation may result in severe fines for employers.
It is conceivable that some employers will not or cannot comply with the law’s requirements, in which case a Massachusetts wage and hour attorney would be needed to help an employee sue for unpaid pay.
Keeping Massachusetts’ Minimum Wage Law
Massachusetts businesses must be on the lookout for breaches of the Massachusetts Wage Act, which entitles employees to treble damages, attorney’s fees, interest at 10%, and costs if discovered.
The company’s infringement may be unintentional or accidental, but the triple damages must be paid in any case. The sum due automatically rises to $8,000 upon filing a lawsuit in court if an employee has outstanding commissions totaling $5,000.
Consequences Of A Wage And Hour Law Violation
- They are underpaying employees by not paying them for commissions, bonuses, or overtime.
- Erroneously categorizing workers as consultants rather than employees
- Failing to pay prevailing wages on public works projects
- Paying illegal workers less than the minimum wage
- Employees who are paid a salary are mistakenly classified as exempt from overtime requirements.
- Withholding tips from service providers in the restaurant/bar sector who should have received them.
Employees who worked “off the clock” were not paid, including everyone from minimum-wage workers to highly compensated doctors and CEOs. The employment attorneys in Boston are ready to go to bat for your rights.
Several Violations Give Rise To A Lawsuit Against Your Employer
Wage and hour regulations provide employees the right to sue their employers if they are violated. To make sure their rights are respected, employees have a private right of action now includes the ability to file a complaint with the Fair Labor Division of the Massachusetts Attorney General.
An employee may sue their employer for a variety of different kinds of breaches, such as:
- Missing out on the legally mandated minimum wage payment.
- Not receiving your entire earnings Not receiving the going rate of pay
- not getting compensated for additional hours worked
- Retaliation
- Being a self-employed contractor
- Taking even a tiny portion of a tip
- Absence from work when ill without permission
- Non-compliance with domestic worker regulations
It will cost a lot of money for employers that lose a lawsuit. Workers who win a case in court are entitled to treble damages as well as attorney’s fees and court expenses.
Massachusetts Unpaid Wage Recoveries
According to Massachusetts law, if an employee wins a lawsuit to recover unpaid wages, they will be entitled to three times the owed pay in compensation. It’s critical to get in touch with a wage and hour dispute lawyer as soon as possible if you want to collect unpaid payment.
The Wage Act was enacted to help low-wage workers afford legal representation. Disputes over unpaid wages and overtime are handled by lawyers who have handled cases for a wide range of clients. If you have reason to think your employer owes you money, please do not hesitate to contact us immediately.
FINAL VERDICT
All lawsuits filed under the Wage Act must be notified to the Attorney General. If we accept your case, we’ll take care of this for you, so contact us first. Employees must file an Attorney General complaint before filing a lawsuit under the Wage Act in most instances, even if money cannot be recovered.
It’s only when you go to court that you’re guaranteed triple damages; your employer is put on notice and must pay three times as much in damages and costs as you win the case. As a result, the employer has a substantial interest in settling the lawsuit favorably.
