News,
Developments + Updates
Court Reinstates Massachusetts Wage Claims in Truck Driver Class Action
A federal judge has granted reconsideration of a prior order dismissing wage claims brought in a class action against trucking company 28Freight.
Appeals Court Rejects Forced Arbitration in Courier Wage Case
"Gig worker" achieves key appellate victory on arbitration in independent contractor misclassification case.
Massachusetts Restaurants Upcharging Customers
Massachusetts diners may be paying extra fees without realizing it. And those fees may be illegal.
Walmart Misrepresentations to Massachusetts Customers Over Spark Driver Tips
An investigation by the Federal Trade Commission has found that Walmart deceived consumers and drivers about the tips they were paying for deliveries.
Fair Work Recovers $11 Million in Back Wages from Jordan’s Furniture
In June 2019, Fair Work filed a lawsuit against the furniture retail giant Jordan’s Furniture. The employee who brought that lawsuit was a
Court Enters Over $1 Million Judgment After Jury Verdict
In a verdict handed down on January 11, 2024, a jury in Norfolk Superior Court found that Johnson & Johnson, Inc.
Pizza Delivery Driver Wins Judgment and Fees
A pizza delivery driver for a Domino's franchise won $19,500 in damages, judgment against the franchise owner, and $43,000 in legal fees.
Federal Judge Rules Against CRST’s “Driver Training” Program
A federal judge ruled that CRST's "driver training" program violates state and federal wage and consumer protection laws.
Former Employee of Boston Chef Barbara Lynch Alleges 'Absent' Boss Withheld Tips
Federal Court Certifies Class Action Against Hannaford
Missouri Federal Court Denies New Prime Motion to Compel Arbitration
Court Awards $650,000 in Legal Fees Against Jordan's Furniture
Federal Court Certifies Class Against XPO Logistics
What Types of Benefit Plans Does ERISA Cover?
ERISA protects your right to insurance, pension, retirement and other "fringe" benefits. Find out how – and how we can help if you're not getting what you may be owed.
What Rights Do You Have to Protect Your ERISA Benefits?
ERISA protects your right to insurance, pension, retirement and other "fringe" benefits. Find out how – and how we can help if you're not getting what you may be owed.
Massachusetts high court sides with professor in "ministerial exception" case
Amazon Faces Class Actions Over Failure to Pay Flex Driver Tips
Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against TransAm Trucking
Amazon to pay $61.7 million to Flex drivers over stolen tips
Editorial Board: SJC should limit application of "ministerial exception"
Federal Judge Grants Summary Judgment and Class Certification to InStore Group "Vendor Associates"
Court Certifies Class Action Against Jordan's Furniture
Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Carrier One
Court Orders Prime, Inc. to Take Corrective Action After Spreading False Information About Settlement Notice
Class Action Settlement Notice Issued to More Than 40,000 Truck Drivers for Prime, Inc.
Federal Judge Issues Injunction Against CRST
Federal judge enjoins CRST from collecting $6,500 training fees and enforcing driver non-compete agreements.
Religious School Not Exempt from Anti-Discrimination Laws
Gordon College cannot use the "ministerial exemption" to shield itself from discrimination lawsuit by a former professor.
Federal Court Issues Key Ruling in Favor of Latina Kitchen Workers
Federal judge finds "no requirement in the statutory scheme, case law, or common sense that would preclude a hostile work environment claim because sexual conduct and statements were directed at co-workers only."
McCormick & Schmick’s Kitchen Worker Will Get Her Day in Court
A Massachusetts federal judge has ruled that a McCormick & Schmick's dishwasher can pursue her sexual harassment claim at trial.
You Don't Have To Pay For That Uniform
If your employer is going to make you wear a uniform to work, you can't be required to pay for it.
What is an Independent Contractor?
Just because you agree to work as an “independent contractor” doesn’t mean you’re actually an independent contractor.
What to Know About Wage Theft
There are many ways in which an employer can steal money from an employee. Not all of them are obvious.
Minimum Wage Rises for Hourly and Tipped Workers in Massachusetts
Hourly workers saw another increase as Massachusetts continues its slow march towards a $15 an hour minimum wage in 2023.
"Virtual Retailers" Must Pay for Sunday Work
Employees who work for online retailers in Massachusetts are entitled to additional pay for work on Sundays, even if they don't work in a "brick and mortar" store.
Appeals Court Orders New Trial for Former Loomis Sayles Contractor
The Appeals Court ruled that the trial judge erred by entering judgment in Loomis' favor on the worker's misclassification claim.
SimpliSafe's Call Center Employees Owed Premium Pay
A Massachusetts trial judge has ruled that SimpliSafe violated the Sunday pay statute by not paying premium pay to its call center employees.
Judge Rejects Trucking Company's Second Attempt to Compel Arbitration
The federal District Court for Massachusetts has denied a second motion to compel arbitration filed by New Prime.
Prosecutor Files Discrimination Case Against Department of State, Department of Justice
Federal prosecutor alleges Department of State and other agencies discriminated against him because he has diabetes.
Judge Rules CRST Underpaid Workers and Engaged in Deceptive Practices
Massachusetts federal judge rules CRST violated wage and consumer protection laws in decision that affects thousands of drivers across the country.
First Circuit Affirms Award of Disability Benefits
The Court ruled that insurance giant Aetna acted unreasonably in denying disability benefits to an employee undergoing cancer treatment.
Retailers Must Pay Overtime to Commision-Only Salespeople
In landmark decision, Massachusetts high court rules commission-based sales employees are owed overtime and Sunday pay.
Commission-Only Sales Employees are Entitled to Overtime Pay
Massachusetts High Court Reverses Class Cert Denial in P.F. Chang's Reporting Pay Case
In unanimous decision, Supreme Judicial Court rules that trial judge erred in refusing to certify class of hourly restaurant workers.
Supreme Court Rules New Prime Cannot Compel Truck Drivers to Arbitration
U.S. Supreme Court has unanimously agreed that independent contractor truck drivers cannot be compelled to private arbitration.
Judge Rules Retaliation Case Against Gordon College May Proceed
Massachusetts judge rules that plaintiff can pursue retaliation and discrimination claims against Gordon College.
Federal Court Certifies Class Action Against CRST Expedited
Federal judge certified class of over 15,000 individuals who have worked as drivers for CRST Expedited.
“Beyond Harvey Weinstein: Workplace Sexual Harassment in the U.S."
Stephen Churchill will be joining a panel of speakers at the Harvard Law School Harassment/Assault Law Student Team seminar.
Judge Denies Colonial Automotive Motion to Dismiss
Massachusetts judge rules wage class action against Colonial Automotive Group can proceed on joint employer theory.
Massachusetts Federal Judge Denies Motion to Transfer Case to Iowa
Federal judge refuses to transfer transportation worker's class action lawsuit to Iowa.