The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) recently affirmed a jury verdict and award of damages of approximately $2 million dollars against an employer for its violation of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This case involved the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and a former employee who had worked for the MWRA for 11 years.
First – Don’t panic! Employees may simply gripe to another employee or a supervisor about issues in the workplace, but sometimes the complaint may involve issues that need to be immediately addressed by the employer.
The reporting and deduction obligations will begin on October 1 and will include identification of employees through the MassTax Connect.
One question that comes up in my practice is whether accrued but unused sick time is considered “wages” under Massachusetts law and if an employer must pay a terminated employee such unused sick time upon termination.