The state’s new pay equity law, which amends the Massachusetts Equal Pay Act (“MEPA”), will take effect on July 1, 2018. It is one of the strongest pay equity laws in the country, and subjects employers to double damages and attorneys’ fees in the event of a violation. Moreover, it is a “strict liability” statute. […]...
Since 2010, employers in Massachusetts have been prohibited, under the Criminal Offender Record Information (“CORI”) Reform Act, from requiring a job applicant to check a box indicating that he or she has a criminal history (the “ban-the-box” law). Employers are also prohibited from requiring applicants and employees to disclose certain criminal information, including arrests and […]...
As of April 1, 2018, all Massachusetts employers with six (6) or more employees are subject to the state’s new Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (the “Act”). In light of the pre-existing federal law in this area, what is most notable about the Act is that it requires covered employers to provide: • non-exempt and exempt […]...
Strang Scott partner, Chris Strang, co-authored and article with Brendan Carter from the Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts that was published recently on the cover of the American Bar Association’s “Under Construction” quarterly newsletter. The article details a case where Strang Scott prevailed against the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, successfully arguing that the awarding authority has a […]...
Subordination Non Disturbance and Attornment Agreements (SNDAs) often seem like afterthoughts in commercial leasing as they govern the potential future relationship between a tenant and the landlord’s lender rather than the current relationship between the tenant and landlord. SNDA’s, however, should not be overlooked, as they are crucial to protecting a tenant’s interests in the […]...
Since the early 1900’s, Massachusetts courts have held that a contractor cannot recover on the contract itself without showing complete and strict performance of all terms or, in the event the contract cannot be completed fully, that the contractor substantially performed and attempted, in good faith, to perform fully. Under this rule, if the court […]...
In a recent decision, D5 Iron Works, Inc. v. Danvers Fish & Game Club, Inc., & Others, the Appeals Court of Massachusetts ruled that an owner’s promise to make payment to the subcontractor did not excuse the subcontractor’s failure to timely file suit. In the case, the general contractor was delinquent in paying the subcontractor. […]...
The White House recently released its “Legislative Outline for Rebuilding Infrastructure in America.” In the preamble to the outline, The White House requested that Congress act to implement the infrastructure program in short order through new legislation. In broad strokes, the outline calls for new spending to stimulate $1.5 trillion dollars in infrastructure investments, from […]...
The Regulation of Business Practices for Consumer Protection Act, commonly referred to by its statutory chapter number, “Chapter 93A,” is a frequently utilized statute that provides individual consumers and businesses with a right to bring legal action and recover damages if they are harmed by an unfair business practice. Under the statute, “unfair or deceptive […]...
The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Bid Protest Unit (“AG”) recently decided that when an awarding authority seeks references not listed by the sub-bidder, it must give the sub-bidder the opportunity to respond when such reviews are negative. In the case, the Barre Housing Authority (“BHA”) sought public bids for a panel replacement project. BHA checked the […]...