Monthly Archives: November 2016
Have You Updated Your Bathroom Policies to Allow Access Based on Gender Identity?
Effective October 1, 2016, Massachusetts will prohibit discrimination in public accommodation based on an individual’s gender identity. This law will affect not only places of accommodation open to the public, but also will require access to bathrooms in the workplace based on gender identity. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination has made clear that an employer’s failure to increase employee awareness and allow access to restrooms based on one’s gender identity could subject employers to charges of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
In Ferman, SJC held plaintiffs may recover attorneys’ fees under the Wage Act in private settlements if, under catalyst test, lawsuit was the necessary and important factor causing defendant to provide material portion of the relief demanded. https://t.co/VfDxBqYlOt
In Hahnfeldt v. Newman, MA Appellate Court follows Mui v. Massachusetts Port Auth., 478 Mass. 710 (2018), holding that unused sick leave isn’t a ‘wage’ under the Wage Act, even if an employer has a policy of compensating departing employees for it. https://t.co/n1216JHktv
Draft regulations have been released for MA Paid Family & Medical Leave Act. The Department of Family and Medical Leave will hold several listening sessions in February for public input. Expect Final Regulations by March 31. https://t.co/0aGO2xZLk2