Massachusetts Employment Laws

Massachusetts PFML provides up to 12 weeks of paid family leave and 20 weeks of paid medical leave (26 weeks combined maximum) per benefit year. Funded through payroll contributions. Applies to employers of all sizes. Wage replacement is calculated on a sliding scale up to a weekly cap ($1,149.90 for 2024).

Prohibits gender-based pay discrimination for comparable work. Employers cannot ask about salary history during hiring. Employers may use a self-audit as an affirmative defense. The act uses a "comparable work" standard (broader than "equal work").

Non-compete agreements are limited to 12 months, must be supported by garden leave (50% of highest salary) or other mutually-agreed consideration, and cannot apply to hourly workers, employees terminated without cause, or employees under 18. Non-competes must be provided with initial job offer or 10 business days before start date.

Massachusetts prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age (40+), disability, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, and membership in the military. Applies to employers with 6+ employees.

All employees earn 1 hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year. Employers with 11+ employees must provide paid sick time; smaller employers provide unpaid.