Labor & Employment Open Meeting

Legislative Initiatives Impacting Massachusetts Employers and Employees

        Representatives Thomas P. Conroy and Lori A. Ehrlich, the House Chair and Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development will be the guest speakers at an open meeting sponsored by the Massachusetts Bar Association's Labor & Employment Section.  The panel will discusss legislative initiatives which could significantly impact Massachusetts employers and employees as well as the practice of employment law.   The panel will also discuss the following specific proposed bills:

• House Bill 1758 which would amend Massachusetts Discrimination Law (MGL c. 151B) by forbidding discrimination on the basis of height or weight (filed by B. Rushing);
• Senate Bill 867 which would amend Massachusetts Discrimination Law (MGL c. 151B) by forbidding discrimination on the basis of veteran status (filed by B. Joyce);
• Senate 853 which would amend the Massachusetts by requiring employers of 50 or more employees to provide up to 15 days of unpaid leave for domestic violence victims or family members of victims (filed by Stanley and Creem);
• House Bill 1774/S 865 which would, among other things, amend the Massachusetts Maternity Leave Act (sponsored by Rep. Walsh and Jehlan) to apply MMLA to males and part-time employees;
• Senate Bill 859 which would amend the Massachusetts Wage Act by providing a private right of action for meal break violations (sponsored by Eldridge);
• Senate Bill 856 which would regulate the use of non-competition/non-solicitation agreements (sponsored by Representatives Brownsberger and Ehrlich);
• House Bill 1739 which would require employers to provide paid sick leave to employees (sponsored by Representative Khan); and,
• Numerous bills relating to the Massachusetts Wage Act.

The panel will be available to take questions from the audience.  Please RSVP to this free meeting as space is limited.