Massachusetts Unemployment Law Reformed: Employment Law Manual Updated, Legal Timetable Added

Author: Marta Moakley, XpertHR Legal Editor

Massachusetts' unemployment statutes will be amended as part of large-scale unemployment insurance reforms signed by the governor on June 26, 2014. A notable amendment provides greater protection from retaliation for an employee providing evidence during unemployment claims proceedings or testimony during an unemployment hearing.

The reforms also address changes to the minimum wage and have various implementation dates (January 1, 2015; January 1, 2016; and January 1, 2017).

As a result, a new entry to the Legal Timetable has been added. In addition, the Employee Discipline: Massachusetts section of the Employment Law Manual has been updated.