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THE BEACON 
 
EANE's Monthly Newsletter 
About  Workforce Development News & Issues   

Minimum Wage, Paid Family and Medical 
Leave and Sales Tax Holiday Bill Signed 
into Law

by Mark Adams
EANE

We've summarized the "Grand Bargain" in this article.  Register for our August 13th webinar for more details.

After extensive negotiations, Massachusetts
lawmakers finally reached a  co mpromise on a
bill that is full of measures that impact employers.

The term "Grand Bargain" has been used by many to describe the bill (H.4640 - which can be downloaded here) but it is hardly a "bargain" 
in terms of it coming cheap to employers. 

*CLARIFICATION* Our July 2 E-Alert about the "Grand Bargain" mentioned that funding of the program would begin on January 1, 2020. The 2020 funding date is when employees will begin funding the program. Employers will start to fund the program on July 1, 2019. 

 


Request for Fixed Shift Not a Reasonable Accommodation
 
An employer did not violate the Americans with Disabilities Act when it refused an Assistant Manager's request for a fixed schedule.

Hostile Work Environment - What is It?

by Amanda Wilsher
EANE

The phrase "hostile work environment" is frequently used in our society.  As it relates to the workplace it is important for employers to know what it is and what it is not. 

 

Call Center Not Considered a Retail Store for Massachusetts Blue Law Purposes

When it comes to the Massachusetts Blue Laws, there is not a one size fits all answer.  Which companies can open on a Sunday or holiday?  Which holidays require a permit to open?  Which businesses do not need a permit at all to open?  Can you make employees work on a Sunday or holiday when your business is open?  There are different answers to these questions depending upon your industry.  

50,000+ Reasons to Conduct a Proper Harassment Investigation
 
by John Gannon
Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C.

When an employer conducts a reasonable, unbiased investigation  on into a harassment complaint, and takes proper action based on the  results of the investigation, it may be able to raise a defense to liability if the situation leads to a harassment lawsuit.  A recent decision from  the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination ("MCAD") should serve as a lesson for employers that do not take their investigation obligations seriously.
 

T wo New Training Programs for Your Employees

We're excited to offer two new training programs for your employees. Learners in these new full-day classes will:

  • Increase their individual accountability by identifying productive responses to daily challenges
  • Examine the concepts of exceptional leadership
  
Save BIG with the EANE Energy Program!
 
Energy has become one of the top five expenses for many businesses, so we're helping our members manage this cost.
 
Constellation Energy offers EANE members guidance on energy pricing options that give you greater budget certainty, or more purchasing flexibility based.
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People.  Business.  Success.
  
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