Policy Watch
Response to Reuter v. City of Methuen
AIM sponsored legislation to counter the Reuter decision under which employers are liable for treble (3x) damages for late payment of any disputed wages to dismissed employees. The bill would create a good-faith defense against treble damages and a “right-to-cure” period that would allow employers time to compensate outgoing employees without facing significant penalties.
Pay Transparency
AIM was proud to partner with advocacy organizations to promote the next step in pay transparency. If passed, employers will be required to provide the salary range for a position to applicants – and to current employees upon request.
Update the Independent Contractor Law
This legislation would change the Massachusetts test for employees versus independent contractors to allow flexibility that is reflective of the modern working environment.
Wage Theft
The proposed bill creates vicarious liability for wage violations up and down the contract chain. If your sub-contractor or sub-sub-contractor were to commit a wage violation, you would also be liable for those damages, including treble damages.
Minimum Wage
Proposed legislation would increase the minimum wage in Massachusetts from $15 an hour to $20 an hour by 2028.
Domestic Abuse Victims Accommodations
The bill would make victims of domestic abuse a protected class in the workplace. Those workers would then be entitled to various employer accommodations including flexible hours and temporary transfers.
Workplace Bullying
Creates employer liability for bullying and similar activity that occurs between coworkers. The measure would cover a wide spectrum of behavior, regardless of whether or not the victim is a member of a protected class, or whether or not the incident occurred at work.
Defense Against Abusive Waivers
The bill would ban mandatory arbitration agreements in all employment contracts.