Discrimination

• In the state of Massachusetts, employees have the right to keep their jobs without the threat of discrimination. Employers are not permitted to fire employees due to age, race, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, disability, arrests, HIV/AIDS status, genetic testing, military service or national origin.
  
  

Workplace Safety and Injury

• Massachusetts employers are required to provide a safe work environment for their employees. If an employee is injured, they have the right to file a claim for compensation without fear of termination. Employees also have the right to file an anonymous claim if they feel they are working in an unsafe environment without fear of retaliation or termination.
  
  

Whistleblowing

• Employees in Massachusetts have the right to uphold the law without fear of termination or retaliation. Employees are required to report violations to their supervisor; the employee may report the violation to an official equal to or higher than the supervisor if the employee believes the supervisor is aware of the violation, if the employee is afraid of bodily harm or if the employee has evidence the company is involved in criminal activity.
  
  

Garnishment

• Massachusetts employees have the right to have their wages garnished for child or spousal support without fear of termination because of their debt.
  
  

Sexual Harassment

• Employees in Massachusetts have the right to work without the fear or discomfort of sexual harassment. In the event an individual experiences sexual harassment and reports the offense, they have the right to maintain their employment regardless of the position of the person the report has been filed against. They may not be fired as peremptory or retaliatory measures.
  
  

Family Medical Leave Act

• Massachusetts state law provides eligible employees with childbirth, maternity and family leave, or leave to adopt a child under the age of 18. Individuals are given up to eight weeks leave as well as 24 additional hours annually for school activities or to take a child under the age of 18 or a relative over the age of 60 to medical and dental appointments. Employees have the right not to be terminated for taking their state-appointed leave.
  
  

Wrongful Termination

• Employees who feel they have been wrongfully terminated are required by state law to file a claim with an EEOC or human rights office. If the company is found to be at fault, they may be required to provide the employee with one or more of the following: back pay, reinstatement of position with former benefits, injunctive workplace relief, compensation for stress and suffering, court costs and lawyer's fees and punitive damages.