Massachusetts Labor and Employment Law Key Terms

Get acquainted with Massachusetts labor and employment law key terms that impact your business

By Michele Vrouvas

Because states have the power to enact labor and employment laws for businesses within their jurisdictions, it pays to have a general overview of regulations if you're doing business in that state. While Massachusetts labor and employment law remains similar to that in other states, there are certain distinctions businesses should be aware of. Becoming familiar with the key terms and concepts that Massachusetts labor law is based upon can help you stay informed of the latest legal trends.

Child labor laws

When learning about Massachusetts labor and employment law, it's necessary to consider child labor laws which set limits on the kind of work and number of hours minors can perform.
Try: Go to Retailers Mag to find out the age limits for child labor laws. You'll also learn about daily and weekly time restrictions for minors between the ages of 14 and 17 in Massachusetts.

Age requirements

Age requirements can also refer to child labor laws. The emphasis is on the minimum ages required to perform certain jobs.
Try: Age requirements are taken seriously by the Attorney General in Massachusetts. Find out the minimum ages for employees in certain industries, such as the newspaper industry.

Workers' compensation law

Workers' compensation law refers to the actions that organizations take when their employees have sustained injury or other damage on the job.
Try: Go to the Labor and Workforce Development website to find legal requirements for contractors and sub-contractors under Massachusetts workers' compensation law. You'll also find out about penalties for businesses who do not carry workers' compensation insurance.

Joint Labor Management Committee

A joint labor management committee ensures that collective bargaining agreements in a state follow certain procedures.
Try: The Massachusetts Labor Relations Commission clarifies the role that the state's Joint Labor Management Committee performs in negotiating settlements between municipal departments. In particular, find out how the Committee responds to collective disputes and how it votes in open meetings.

Workplace injury

Workplace injury refers to many adverse experiences employees can encounter as they perform their designated job duties.
Try: Lawyers.com explains how Massachusetts law responds to employee complaints of workplace injury. Find out about compensation plans and minimum payments required by state law.

Unemployment insurance benefits

Some workers who have been terminated or laid off from employment can seek unemployment insurance benefits through state disability programs.
Try: Salary.com explains Massachusetts' distinctive program for providing unemployment insurance benefits. Find out the basic eligibility requirements for receiving these payments.