What is Juneteenth?
Q: I just found out my company celebrates Juneteenth. This is a new holiday for me. Can you help me understand it? I am hearing a lot about it, but not sure of the origins and why it is now … Continued
Interview questions feel wrong
Q: During a recent interview, I was asked some unusual questions. I was asked about “what country I was from” and “if I liked children.” These questions were not relevant to the job. I never received a job offer from … Continued
What benefits are required for summer employees?
Q: I run a company in metrowest. We have 27 employees, and then about 5 employees over the summer to cover vacations. My question is regarding summer employees. Are they subject to the same laws as year-round employees? Even PFML? … Continued
Long COVID – how to disclose as a candidate
Q: I am a candidate for a role in biotech. I have been diagnosed with long COVID (or PASC, the medical term). I will need some accommodations for this condition. How or when do I ask a prospective employer? A: … Continued
Recent termination of employment
Q: I was recently terminated, without notice, from my company. I was employed for there for seven years. I was never given a warning or even a harsh word. I am being told that I should sign this agreement, and … Continued
Post Zoom termination, reader asks some reasonable questions
Q: I was recently terminated and am unclear of the reason. When I asked why during my very abrupt Zoom termination meeting, I was told “we think it is best to part ways.” What does that mean? Am I eligible … Continued
Working retail on Labor Day?
Q: In a few weeks, we will be celebrating Labor Day. Most retailer shops will be open. I thought it was a federal holiday and that businesses would be closed. Can you explain? A: Thank you for prompting me to … Continued
PFML – can non-Massachusetts residents apply?
Q: I own a company in Massachusetts. We are on the Rhode Island border, so many of our employees live in RI but work in MA. No one has been able to give me a straight answer. Are these RI … Continued
Can I skip my 30-minute meal break?
Q: I have a question. My new manager is requiring us to take a 30-minute meal break. When we ask if we can skip it, he says, “It’s the law.” For years, we were allowed to work through our lunch … Continued
Meal breaks in Massachusetts
Q: I am in a job, and I think I am eligible for paid overtime (at time and one-half) after I work forty hours. I live and work in Massachusetts. However, no one has mentioned lunch breaks. How does this … Continued