The following was put together by the Campaign on Contingent Work in Boston and is just meant as a guide. Please check our contract for further information or contact your steward for clarification.

Minimum Wage

$5.25/hour (soon to go up!) is the minimum wage in Massahusetts. Tipped workers must receive $2.65/hour base pay - as long as you receive $2.60/hour in tips, totaling $5.25/hour. Your boss cannot take any of your tips.

Overtime

You must receive 1 1/2 times your hourly pay after working 40 hours ina week. Tipped employees must receive tips and pay totaling at least $7.88/hour after 40 hours. Piece workers must be paid an extra 50% of your regular rate as overtime.

3 Hour Rule

If you show up for work, you must be paid for at least 3 hours minimum wage for that day - even if your boss sends you home early.

Uniforms

You don't have to pay for work-required uniforms, or to have them cleaned.

Meals

If you get meals at work, you can't be charged more than: $1 for breakfast, $1.75 for lunch, and $1.75 for dinner. You don't have to accept these meals.

Prevailing Wage

If you work on a government-funded construction project, your boss may have to pay you a government-set prevailing wage (often based on union wages).

Pay Periods

You must be paid in full, on time, by cash or check, once every week, or every two weeks - even if the boss says he/she doesn't have enough money. Late for work? Your wages can only be cut by the exact amount of time you are late. Exact deductions made for taxes and other purposes must be listed on your pay stuf.

Breaks

If you work 6 hours in a day, y ou must be allowed a 30-minute break - with no work.

Sundays/Holidays

If you work at a job that employs 8 or more people - you may be eligible for 1 1/2 times your hourly pay on Sundays and legal holidays.

Health and Safety Laws

Your boss must provide a safe work place that meets federal and state standards. You must be told about any dangerous substances or situations that you will be working with. Your boss must give your the right safety equipment for any job you do - free of charge.

Workers Compensation

If you are injured on a job you are entitled to workers comp insurance, and a lawyer, if you need one - to be paid from any money awarded to you.

Discrimination

You cannot be discriminated against on your job - for pay, promotion, or any other reason - on the basis of your: race, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.

Unemployment

If you get laid off - you can get unemployment insurance (and possibly low-cost state health insurance) if you've earned enough money and have the necessary hours on the job. Workers with children, who do not qualify for unemployment, may collect TAFDC (welfare) for only 24 months out of 5 years. Disabled or somestic abuse survivors may be execmpt fromt he time limit.

Family Leave

You may qualify for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, without losing your job, if you have a baby or have a family medical emergency. Click here to read more

Personal Time

If you work for a company with more than 50 workers, you are allowed 24 unpaid hours off a year for personal matters.

Health Care for Kids

Children under 18 may be eligible for free or low-cost state health insurance.

Immigrant Rights

All labor laws apply to immigrant workers - whether you are documented or undocumented.

Workfare

Recipients are exempt from welfare "community service" placements if you or a dependent is disabled or recovering from a domestic violence situation. Or if your children are not in school full-time (even on school vacations). Recipients may be provided with child car reimbursements. Other special exemptions exist.