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Massachusetts Employment Law: Your Complete Guide to Worker Rights (2025)

Massachusetts has some of the strongest worker protections in the nation. The state’s anti-discrimination law covers employers with just 6+ employees, provides a $15/hour minimum wage, requires paid family and medical leave (PFML), and offers comprehensive protections against workplace discrimination and harassment.

This guide covers all major areas of Massachusetts employment law.

Massachusetts Employment Law Overview

Key Facts:

  • At-will employment state: With significant exceptions
  • Minimum wage: $15.00/hour (2025)
  • State discrimination law: M.G.L. c. 151B covers 6+ employees
  • Paid family leave: PFML up to 26 weeks
  • Strong LGBTQ protections: Explicit statutory protection
  • Noncompete restrictions: Significant limitations since 2018

Major Areas of Massachusetts Employment Law

Wrongful Termination in Massachusetts

Massachusetts follows at-will employment, but provides strong exceptions.

Protected from termination for:

  • Discrimination (Chapter 151B)
  • Whistleblowing
  • Refusing to violate law
  • Workers’ compensation retaliation
  • Exercising statutory rights
  • Public policy violations

Learn more:

  • At-will exceptions in Massachusetts
  • Public policy exception
  • Proving wrongful termination

Workplace Discrimination in Massachusetts

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151B provides comprehensive protections.

Protected characteristics:

  • Race, color, national origin
  • Sex (including pregnancy)
  • Religion
  • Age (40+)
  • Disability
  • Sexual orientation
  • Gender identity
  • Genetic information
  • Ancestry
  • Military service

Key details:

  • Covers 6+ employees (broader than federal)
  • File with MCAD within 300 days
  • Strong enforcement

Wages and Hours in Massachusetts

Massachusetts provides strong wage protections.

Key provisions:

  • Minimum wage: $15.00/hour
  • Tipped wage: $6.75/hour
  • Overtime: 1.5x after 40 hours
  • Sunday/holiday premium pay
  • Meal breaks required

Leave Laws in Massachusetts

Massachusetts requires paid family and medical leave.

Leave types:

  • Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)
  • Federal FMLA
  • Earned Sick Time
  • Domestic violence leave
  • Small necessities leave

Employment Contracts in Massachusetts

Massachusetts significantly restricts non-compete agreements.

Key features:

  • 2018 Non-compete law restrictions
  • Garden leave or other consideration required
  • 12-month maximum duration
  • Geographic/scope limitations

Massachusetts-Specific Protections

Chapter 151B

Provides:

  • Comprehensive discrimination protection
  • Covers 6+ employees
  • Strong MCAD enforcement
  • Private right of action

Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)

Requirements:

  • Up to 20 weeks family leave
  • Up to 20 weeks medical leave
  • Up to 26 weeks combined
  • Partial wage replacement
  • Job-protected

Earned Sick Time

Requirements:

  • 1 hour per 30 hours worked
  • Up to 40 hours per year
  • Employers with 11+ must provide paid
  • Smaller employers provide unpaid

Non-Compete Reform (2018)

Restrictions:

  • Must provide consideration (garden leave or other)
  • Maximum 12 months
  • Cannot apply to certain workers
  • Geographic limitations

Filing Complaints in Massachusetts

MCAD (State)

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination:

  • Phone: 617-994-6000
  • Boston, Springfield, Worcester, New Bedford offices
  • Handles discrimination complaints
  • 300-day deadline

Attorney General’s Office

Fair Labor Division:

  • Phone: 617-727-3465
  • Wage complaints
  • Employment law enforcement

Department of Family and Medical Leave

PFML claims:

  • Phone: 833-344-7365
  • Leave disputes
  • Benefits issues

Massachusetts Employment Law Quick Reference

Topic Massachusetts Law
Minimum wage $15.00/hour
Tipped wage $6.75/hour
Discrimination agency MCAD
Filing deadline 300 days
Employer coverage 6+ employees (discrimination)
Paid family leave Yes (PFML)
Paid sick leave Yes (11+ employees paid)
Non-compete max 12 months

Key Massachusetts Employment Statutes

Massachusetts General Laws:

  • M.G.L. c. 151B – Anti-discrimination
  • M.G.L. c. 149 – Labor and Industries
  • M.G.L. c. 151 – Minimum Wage
  • M.G.L. c. 175M – Paid Family and Medical Leave
  • M.G.L. c. 149, § 24L – Earned Sick Time

Related Topics

Legal Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Massachusetts employment law and is not legal advice. For specific advice, consult a licensed Massachusetts employment attorney.

For official information: