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Massachusetts lawmakers packed a lot into the new bill I reported on recently. In addition to changing the state’s law on non-compete agreements, they set new requirements for professional employer organizations (PEOs). Any employers who use PEOs, as well as PEOs themselves, should take note. What Is a PEO? An outgrowth of employee leasing companies,…

Your intrepid correspondent recently attended the Midwinter Meeting of the American Bar Association’s International Labor and Employment Law Committee. Attorneys from around the world spent four days focusing on emerging issues and new developments in international employment law, from labor regulations to artificial intelligence. I’ve distilled some of the key insights for you below. 1….

WHAT’S NEW: If you know anything about non-compete agreements in Massachusetts, you probably know they’ve been a flashpoint of debate more than once. The state legislature has spent almost a decade trying to decide whether to place statutory limits on the scope of non-compete clauses (also called “covenants not to compete”) in employment agreements. Back…

WHAT’S NEW: It would be a good idea for employers to set aside some time in January 2018 to address HR Law issues. Workplace sexual harassment is a focus of public discourse and new laws are going into effect. Remember, failure to comply can result in significant legal liability. There is a focus in the…

WHAT’S NEW: After a decision yesterday by the highest court in Massachusetts, an employer cannot enforce an absolute bar against employee medical marijuana use, in all situations, without risking a violation of the anti-discrimination laws. In its decision, the Supreme Judicial Court reversed a lower court’s dismissal of a discrimination claim brought by a worker…