On August 1, 2016, Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker signed the equal pay law, a law that has been working through the legislature since 1998. The law takes effect on July 1, 2018. The law bars discrimination on the basis of gender in the payment of wages, including benefits and other compensation, for “comparable work.” The statute […]...
As a follow up to our recent post on the subject, the Massachusetts legislature failed to enact reform to noncompete agreements by the July 31, 2016 legislative deadline, despite both the House and the Senate passing versions of the bill. The primary point of disagreement between the two legislative houses concerned the “garden leave” provision that […]...
On August 1, 2016, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (“OSHA”), will raise the limits of its maximum penalties for the first time in nearly twenty-six years.Current maximum penalties for “serious,” “other than serious” and “posting requirement” penalties will increase from $7,000.00 per violation to $12,471.00 per violation. Penalties for failure to abate hazards or […]...
On July 8, 2016, Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker signed a bill that provides new protections for transgender people. The new law bars discrimination against transgender people in public accommodations, defined as any place open to the public including public rest rooms and locker rooms. The Attorney General’s office has been tasked with issuing […]...
On June 29, 2016, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed House bill 4434, An Act Relative to the Enforcement of Noncompetition Agreements. Non-compete reform has been brewing in the Massachusetts legislature for several years, but the reform sought by many may finally be here, if the bill is enacted. This bill contains two […]...
Partner Chris Strang recently accepted an appointment to serve on the Advisory Board for Lawyers for Affordable Justice (LAJ). Founded in January, 2016, LAJ is a collection of independent lawyers joining forces to provide legal services to low and moderate income clients at rates they can afford.The LAJ attorneys are able to provide services at reduced […]...
Strang, Scott, Giroux & Young, LLP, was recently selected to join the Construction Lawyers Alliance, a group devoted to providing a comprehensive collection of construction law resources prepared by a select group of construction lawyers nationally. Strang Scott is proud to join the Alliance and will continue to offer timely advice and updates on construction […]...
At a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce breakfast this week, Massachusetts House Speaker DeLeo proposed compromise legislation regarding non-compete agreements. The Speaker’s proposal included three points: limiting non-competes to twelve months; requiring employers to provide employees notice that a non-compete will be required before employment begins (and inform employees of a right to counsel), and […]...
The Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) recently announced that contractors will soon be able to utilize an online application process for certification. It will include the ability to pay fees online as well as online access to documents such as Certificates of Eligibility. The website is expected to be ready in […]...
Our friends at Mass Innovation Labs were once again featured in the Boston Globe. Mass Innovation Labs is changing the world of how companies lease and utilize laboratory space. Meet the chief encouragement officer in Kendall Square ...