Legal Question in Employment Law in Massachusetts

Employee Handbooks

I have 3 questions...

1) In the past, when I was hired, my old employers supplied me with a company handbook outlining all the instore policies. My current employer did not and now constantly changes policies on a weekly basis with zero notice(from vacation time, to mandatory work hours, to proper work attire, to medical benefits, etc.) It has become very confusing as to what is expected from all of us. We have inquired why we do not have a handbook and they told us it is not necessary or needed. Is this true?

2) Is it a law that an employer must receive a weekly timesheet for salary/commission employees? If so, shouldn't they keep management timesheets on file also?

3) A manager in our store holds our paychecks and will not give them to us if we do not do this ridiculous ''cheer'' for our customer before they leave the store. I have done my job and do not believe he has the right to hold what is rightfully mine. I am incorrect with this thought?

Thank you for your help!


Asked on 2/27/02, 6:34 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Chester V. Shea III Law Offices of C.V.Shea III

Re: Employee Handbooks

As an employee at will (Massachusetts) the employer can change its handbook at any time without notice.

Time sheets are at the whim of the employer and are used to verify hours worked, whether you are salary or hourly.

The "cheer" is a little crazy but there's nothing illegal about it, sorry.

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Answered on 2/28/02, 8:54 am
henry lebensbaum Law Offices of Henry Lebensbaum (978-749-3606)

Re: Employee Handbooks

1. there is no requirement for a handbook;

2. there must be some mechanism for the employer and employee to assess if a person worked and for how long;

3. Mass requires a periodic and predictable pay schedule. I do not know of any requirement where you are forced to dance for you pay check

4, find another job.

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Answered on 2/27/02, 9:59 pm


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