From Lexology, Laurence J. Donoghue of Morgan, Brown & Joy LLP provides a summary of the law relating to employee terminations. Laurence writes:
Discipline and termination
State procedures
Are there state-specific laws on the procedures employers must follow with regard to discipline and grievance procedures?
No (regarding private sector employers).
At-will or notice
At-will status and/or notice period?
Employment is presumed to be at will without a contract or agreement to the contrary. In some situations, an employee handbook or policy may constitute an agreement for employment other than at-will employment. There is no statutory notice requirement for termination of employment.
What restrictions apply to the above?
At-will employees in violation of public policy cannot be terminated or deprived of compensation due to past services.
Final paychecks
Are there state-specific rules on when final paychecks are due after termination?
Yes. If an employer terminates an employee, the employee must be paid all wages due (including accrued vacation pay) on the termination date. If the employee resigns, payment can be made on the next regular payday. There are mandatory treble damages for violation of the Payment of Wages Law.
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Source: Employee termination law in Massachusetts – Lexology
