BOSTON — 2021 comes with new laws in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts including a minimum wage raise and a new program for paid family and medical leave.

>> State legislators eligible for pay raise in New Year

Minimum Wage Increase

Taking effect Friday, January 1, 2021, the state’s minimum wage increases to $13.50 per hour.

“As residents across our state continue to struggle amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it’s vital that workers are paid the wages to which they are legally entitled and that their rights are protected,” said AG Healey. “We are issuing this notice to ensure that employers and employees alike are aware of this change to the minimum wage in Massachusetts, and to let the public know that my Fair Labor Division is here if they have questions or concerns.”

In June 2018, the state enacted a law that set the minimum wage to increase each year until it reaches $15.00 in 2023.

Tipped employees will also get a raise and must be paid a minimum of $5.55 per hour if their tips bring them up to at least $13.50 per hour. If the total hourly rate for a tipped employee including tips does not equal $13.50 at the end of the shift, then the employer must make up the difference.

Paid Family and Medical Leave

Workers are now eligible for Paid Family and Medical Leave allowing them to apply for leave to care for an ill or ailing relative.

RELATED: New payroll tax hits Mass. workers as paid family leave deductions take effect

The program, offered separately from the federal Family and Medical Leave Act and employer-offered leave, provides:

• Up to 20 weeks of paid leave per benefit year to manage a serious personal health condition
• Up to 12 weeks to care for a family member or to bond with a child
• Up to 26 weeks to care for a family member who is a member of the armed service

You can find more about the new PFML program here.

The Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division enforces laws that protect workers, including wages, overtime, sick time, and child labor. Workers who believe their rights have been violated in the workplace can file a complaint here.

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