The payment of wages and overtime work are regulated by both state and federal Law.  As of July 24, 2008, the Federal Minimum Wage is $6.55 per hour.  The Massachusetts Minimum Wage is $8.00 per hour. 

Maged Rost’s employment law practice is limited to Massachusetts.  The points outlined below are specific to Massachusetts state law.  

Certain employees are not covered by the minimum wage statute. 

• With few exceptions, Massachusetts employees must be paid no less than the minimum wage.
• Wages must be paid within six to seven days of the end of the pay period during which the wages were earned, depending on how many days per week one is employed.
• Unless an employee is exempt from the state overtime requirement, anyone who works more than 40 hours weekly us entitled to one and one-half times their regular hourly rate of pay for all hours in excess of 40 per week.
• If a worker if terminated, the employer must pay the full amount of wages earned on the date of such termination.  If a worker resigns, all earned wages are due and payable at the next scheduled pay period.
• A person’s immigration status has no bearing on the right to receive earned wages.
• An aggrieved party may sue their employer to obtain back pay and, in some cases, triple damages, attorney’s fees and costs for violations of the law.
• A class-action suit may be brought in cases where there are numerous workers who are similarly situated and are affected by an employer’s violation of state or federal wage laws.
• An employer may not retaliate or discriminate against an employee in any way because a worker made a complaint or otherwise sought to enforce their rights under the Massachusetts Wage and Hour laws.

Under a statute that will take effect on July 13, 2008, treble damages will be awarded for Massachusetts Wage Act violations.

If you feel that your employer has violated your rights under the Wage and Hour laws call 1-800-488-5352 for a complimentary case evaluation.

This information not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or current.  We make no warranty, expressed or implied, about the accuracy or reliability of the information on this website or on any other website to which this site is linked.  Please consult a lawyer with questions regarding you matter.