New Massachusetts Equal Pay Law Goes into Effect July 1, 2018
On July 1, 2018, the amendments to the Massachusetts Equal Pay Act (the “MEPA”) go into effect. Under this new law, it will be illegal for companies of any size to pay male and female employees differently for equal work. If an employee successfully claims that you paid her less than her male counterpart for doing comparable work, she may be entitled to double her lost wages, plus reimbursement of her attorney’s fees. This new law is the subject of a more in-depth article in our upcoming newsletter, and we hope you find it helpful as you adjust to these new requirements.
Importantly, the MEPA provides a complete “safe harbor” to any employer that has conducted a good faith, reasonable evaluation of its pay practices within the previous three years, and before an action is filed against it. Making the investment into a pay equity audit now is a good insurance policy against future liability. Kenney & Sams is well-equipped to conduct these pay equity audits, and would be happy to talk to you about the benefits of doing so. Please contact any of our attorneys to schedule a meeting to discuss this important issue.
Importantly, the MEPA provides a complete “safe harbor” to any employer that has conducted a good faith, reasonable evaluation of its pay practices within the previous three years, and before an action is filed against it. Making the investment into a pay equity audit now is a good insurance policy against future liability. Kenney & Sams is well-equipped to conduct these pay equity audits, and would be happy to talk to you about the benefits of doing so. Please contact any of our attorneys to schedule a meeting to discuss this important issue.
H2815 ‐ An Act Relative to Refrigeration Technicians - Updated 6.28.18
The legislation to require that HVAC contractors obtain a refrigeration license has been sent to a study committee. This generally means that the bill is dead for the remainder of the legislative session, which continues until January 2019.
ACA/NE is concerned that if passed, H2815 would prohibit HVAC contractors from doing work they presently do every day, and have done for many years without an additional license. Most residential and small commercial systems are limited to 5 tons or less and an exemption exists for work under 10 tons.
Click here to read the bill.
ACA/NE is concerned that if passed, H2815 would prohibit HVAC contractors from doing work they presently do every day, and have done for many years without an additional license. Most residential and small commercial systems are limited to 5 tons or less and an exemption exists for work under 10 tons.
Click here to read the bill.
H2815 ‐ An Act Relative to Refrigeration Technicians
The legislation to require that HVAC contractors obtain a refrigeration license continues to be of concern to ACA/NE.
H2815 was filed by Rep. Nick Collins (D-Boston) and testimony was heard on October 17, 2017 before the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Last session, the legislation was sent to a study committee, effectively killing the bill. To kill the bill this session, ACA/NE has again retained the services of Delaney & Associates, Inc.
ACA/NE is concerned that if the refrigeration bill passes, many HVAC contractors will no longer be able to do what they presently do every day, and have done for many years without an additional license. Most residential and small commercial systems are limited to 5 tons or less and an exemption exists for work under 10 tons.
Click here to read the ACA/NE Testimony on H2815.
H2815 was filed by Rep. Nick Collins (D-Boston) and testimony was heard on October 17, 2017 before the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Last session, the legislation was sent to a study committee, effectively killing the bill. To kill the bill this session, ACA/NE has again retained the services of Delaney & Associates, Inc.
ACA/NE is concerned that if the refrigeration bill passes, many HVAC contractors will no longer be able to do what they presently do every day, and have done for many years without an additional license. Most residential and small commercial systems are limited to 5 tons or less and an exemption exists for work under 10 tons.
Click here to read the ACA/NE Testimony on H2815.
Proposed Sheet Metal Code Update
The Air Conditioning Association of New England (ACA/NE) is concerned that the Board of Examiners of Sheet Metal Workers has again undertaken a review of the proposed Sheet Metal Code 271 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC). ACA/NE believes that adopting the UMC is not consistent with the objectives of Governor Baker’s Executive Order 562 to reduce unnecessary cost, burden and complexity to the operation of government.
ACA/NE recently sent a letter outlining member concerns to DPL Commissioner Charles Borstel. Click here to read the letter.
ACA/NE recently sent a letter outlining member concerns to DPL Commissioner Charles Borstel. Click here to read the letter.
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