Citizens' Guide to State Services:
Employment

Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development

1 Ashburton Place, Suite 2101
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-626-7122
Fax: 617--727-1090
www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-labor-and-workforce-development

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development oversees and coordinates the resources of the Department of Labor Standards, the Department of Labor Relations, Department of Career Services, Department of Industrial Accidents, and the Department of Unemployment Assistance.

Department of Labor Standards

19 Staniford Street, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-6975
Email: DLSfeedback@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-labor-standards

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards is to promote and protect workers' safety and health, wages and working conditions, and to support employers and workers in the utilization of apprenticeship as a workforce development tool. This department responds to employee complaints concerning mine safety, hazardous chemicals, asbestos, ergonomic, and exposure to bloodborne pathogens by healthcare workers (i.e. HIV, hepatitis). DLS along with the US Department of Labor administers the Mine Safety and Health Program requiring initial and annual training for all mining operators and contractors including sand and gravel pits, and crushed stone and quarry operations. The federally funded OSHA Consultation Program assists employers with confidential on-site safety and health visits to comply with OISHA standards. The department’s Occupational Lead Poisoning Registry receives and investigates reports of elevated blood levels of workers. In addition, the Occupational Safety and Health Statistics Program publishes annual statistic of non-fatal, work-related injuries and illnesses occurring in the private sector, through a cooperative initiative with the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It also enforces the Right to Know Law about hazardous materials being used at the workplace.

Regional Offices

Hours and services fluctuate. Calling ahead is recommended.

Haverhill

New Bedford

Springfield

Taunton

Westborough

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Fair Labor Division

Public Protection and Advocacy Bureau
1 Ashburton Place,
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-727-3465
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/the-attorney-generals-fair-labor-division

The Fair Labor Division enforces the state laws related to the weekly payment of wages, minimum wage, overtime, access to personnel records, proper heating in the workplace during the winter, as well as other conditions and safety requirements in the workplace. It also enforces claims concerning vacations, holidays, and commissions that have been guaranteed by an employer to an employee. In addition, the division is responsible for enforcing the prevailing wage which is set by the Department of Labor Standards which has authority over state-wide approval of local permits allowing businesses to on Columbus Day, Veteran's Day Thanksgiving and Christmas when they otherwise could not open for some or all hours on those days.

Regional Offices

New Bedford

Springfield

Worcester

Division of Apprentice Standards

Department of Labor Standards
19 Staniford Street, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-5409
Fax: 617-626-5427
www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-apprentice-standards

This division approves formal apprentice programs and certifies standards of apprenticeship. It develops all programs and handles complaints registered by participants in or applicants for approved programs. Blank work permit forms for minors are available from this division for local Superintendent of Schools who issue them to minors. Fourteen and fifteen year old minors employed in the Commonwealth must acquire an Employment Permit from the Superintendent of Schools in the city or town in which they reside. Sixteen and seventeen year old minors must obtain an Educational Certificate from the Superintendent of Schools in the city or town in which they are employed or reside. Proof of age must accompany the application. The Fair Labor Division within the Attorney General's Office enforces the child labor laws of the Commonwealth.

Asbestos and Lead Licensing and Enforcement Program

Department of Labor Standards
19 Staniford, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-6960
Fax: 617-626-6965
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-labor-standards

This program is responsible for licensing those professionals involved in deleading and asbestos removal and regulating on-site work practices. The office must be notified of all asbestos and deleading projects before work may begin. Under certain conditions, homeowners may perform low-risk abatement.

Employment Agency Program

Department of Labor Standards
19 Staniford, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-6970
Fax: 617-626-6965
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-labor-standards

This program is charged with all licensing and registration requirements under the Department of Labor. In accordance with MGL Chapter 140 Sections 46A-46R, inclusive, licenses or registration through this office are required for modeling agencies, eldercare placement agencies, nanny and babysitter placement agencies, temporary and permanent staffing and labor firms, and any for-profit entity operating in Massachusetts that derives a fee from placing a worker in a job.

Minimum Wage Program

Department of Labor Standards
19 Staniford, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-6952
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-labor-standards

The State Minimum Wage Program in the Department of Labor Standards administers the Massachusetts Minimum Fair Wage Law, M.G.L. c. 151. In this capacity, DOS promulgates the Minimum Wage Regulations, 455 C.M.R. 2.00, and interprets state minimum wage and overtime law. The Fair Labor Division in the Attorney General's Office enforces the law.

Prevailing Wage Program

Department of Labor Standards
19 Staniford, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-6953
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-labor-standards

The Department of Labor Standards issues prevailing wage schedules to cities, towns, counties, districts, authorities, and agencies of the commonwealth for construction projects and several other types of public work. These schedules contain hourly wage rates that workers must receive when working on a public project. The Fair Labor Division in the Attorney General's Office enforces the law.

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission

Executive Office of Health and Human Services
600 Washington Street, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02111
Voice/TTY: 617-204-3600
Voice/TTY Toll-Free: 1-800-245-6543 (within Massachusetts only)
Ombudsperson: 617-204-3603
Fax: 617-727-1354
E-mail: Commissioner@mrc.state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-rehabilitation-commission

The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission provides vocational services to mentally or physically disabled citizens in order to help them secure employment. Services include counseling and guidance, medical evaluation, psychological, and restorative services, prosthetic devices, skill training, and job placement. For information on eligibility, contact the office. The Vocational Rehabilitation Division is charged with administering an employment-focused program for persons with physical and/or mental disabilities whose disabling conditions present barriers to employment and who can benefit from vocational rehabilitation services in terms of employability. Programs include van adaptation services and adaptive housing, worker's compensation, general relief project, eligibility unit for Chapter 688 (Turning 22), supported work grants for persons who are mentally retarded, extended sheltered employment, and services for deaf individuals. There are several regional offices; call or visit their website for the nearest location.

Brain Injury & Statewide Specialized Community Services Program

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
600 Washington Street, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 617-204-3852
www.mass.gov/mrc-community-based-services

Formerly the Statewide Head Injury Program, this office identifies, cultivates, and develops resources and services for Massachusetts residents who have sustained an externally-caused traumatic brain injury. Please call or visit their website for alisting of programs and services.

Division of Disability Determination Services

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
110 Chauncy Street
Boston, MA 02111-9810
Voice/TTY: 617-204-3600
Voice/TTY Toll-Free: 1-800-245-6543 (within Massachusetts only)
Ombudsperson: 617-204-3603
www.mass.gov/service-details/mrc-disability-determination-services-dds

This office determines the eligibility of an applicant for Social Security Disability Income and Supplemental Security Income based on the applicant's disability only. This division is funded and regulated federally by the Social Security Administration, and managed by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD)

1 Ashburton Place, Suite 601
Boston, MA 02108-1518
Phone: 617-994-6000
TTY: 617-994-6196
mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-commission-against-discrimination

Under MGL Ch. 272:92A, 98, and 98A the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination prohibits discrimination in public accommodation based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, blindness, deafness, or disability. The Fair Employment Practices Law prohibits discrimination in employment based on the above reasons as well as on marital status, age, and public assistance as delineated in MGL Ch. 151B: 4 (14 and 15). Provisions of the Fair Employment Practices Law further interpret discrimination in employment to include protection of an employee who is terminated or not hired for other related reasons such as maternity leave, religious observance, and criminal history. Contact the MCAD to file a complaint.

Regional Offices

New Bedford

Springfield

Worcester

Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity

Division of Human Resources
1 Ashburton Place, Suite 600
Boston, MA 02108-1516
Phone: 617-727-7441
TTY: 617-878-9819
Fax: 617-878-9830
E-mail: odeo.talkback@mass.gov
www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-diversity-and-equal-opportunity

Formerly the State Office of Affirmative Action, the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity's scope has been broadened to create a workplace that welcomes, respects and values people of abilities, cultures, nationalities, religions, races, genders, sexual orientation, ethnic backgrounds and veteran's status. Helping to identify and remove barriers so that programs and services are accessible to all the citizens of Massachusetts, and develop partnerships with public and private organizations to share best practices for enhancing workforce diversity.

Department of Career Services (DCS)

Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
19 Staniford Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-5300
E-mail: DCSFeedback@MassMail.State.MA.US
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-career-services

The Department of Career Services oversees the states network of One-Stop Career Centers that assists employers find qualified workers and provides job seekers with career guidance, training and job referrals. There are many One-Stop Career Centers, lease call or visit their website for office locations

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Department of Economic Research (DER)

100 Cambridge St
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-6450
E-mail: economicresearch@mass.gov

The Department of Economic Research (formerly the Labor Market Information Division) produces, analyzes, and distributes various data, labor market reports, and other resources related to employment, unemployment, occupations, industries, and other components of the Massachusetts labor market.

Veterans Employment Services

Department of Career Services
100 Cambridge Street, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-303-5300
E-mail: DCSFeedback@MassMail.State.MA.US
www.mass.gov/service-details/veterans-employment-representatives

DCS Veterans Services works in conjunction with the state's Executive Office of Veterans Services and the One Stop Career Centers to assist veterans by providing employment-related services: training, counseling, job listings, and job placement.

State Board of Retirement

Office of the Treasurer
1 Winter Street, 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-367-7770
Toll Free: 1-800-392-6014 (within Massachusetts only)
Fax: 617-723-1438
E-mail: sbr@tre.state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-state-retirement-board-msrb
Office hours: 7:45-5:00 walk-ins hours; 10:00-3:00

The State Board of Retirement administers the provisions of laws relative to the retirement of state employees. The Treasurer of the Commonwealth serves as chairman of the Board and oversees the retirement system for state workers.

Springfield Office

Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC)

Executive Office for Administration and Finance
5 Middlesex Avenue, Suite 304
Somerville, MA 02145
Phone: 617-666-4446
TTY: 617-591-8917
Fraud Hotline: 1-800-445-3266 (within Massachusetts only)
Fax: 617-628-4002
www.mass.gov/perac

This agency, whose management was taken over by a seven-member commission under Chapter 427 of the Acts of 1996, oversees the public pension systems in the state (including city, town, county and state pension systems). The agency's purpose is to develop uniform standards and regulations for the process of retirement. Among PERAC's powers and responsibilities are the authority to review all accidental or ordinary disability pensions granted by a retirement board and the right to have access to all books and records of any system. This agency is also authorized to examine the financial affairs and transactions of any system. In addition, they handle workers' compensation claims for state employees. For information about a public pension system, call the number for their main office listed above.

Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement System

Executive Office for Administration and Finance
500 Rutherford Avenue, Suite 210
Charlestown, MA 02192-1628
Phone: 617-679-MTRS(6877)
Fax: 617-679-1661
www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-teachers-retirement-system-mtrs

The Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement System administers the retirement system of public school teachers in Massachusetts.

Springfield Office

Contributory Retirement Appeal Board (CRAB)

Division of Administrative Law Appeal
14 Summer Street, 4th floor
Malden, MA 02148
Phone: 781-397-4700
Fax: 781-397-4720
www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-administrative-law-appeals

CRAB, an independent state body part of the Division of Administrative Law Appeal,hears appeals of decisions made by state, county, and municipal retirement boards.

Foreign Labor Certification Unit (FLC)

Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
MassHire Department of Career Services
19 Staniford Street, 1st Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-5587
E-mail: Jose.Ocasio@DETMA.ORG
www.mass.gov/info-details/foreign-labor-certification-program-activity

This office of the division administers special programs for selected applicants including Alien Labor Certification.

Massachusetts Service Alliance

100 North Washington Street, 3rd floor
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-542-2544
Fax: 617-542-0240
www.mass-service.org

The mission of the Massachusetts Service Alliance is to generate an ethic of service throughout the Commonwealth by creating and supporting diverse, high quality service and volunteer opportunities for all age groups, resulting in stronger communities and more active citizens. Established in 1991, it was one of the first state commissions on community service in the nation. In 1993, federal legislation was adopted, creating the National & Community Service Trust Act. The national AmeriCorps Program was modeled after quality service programs developed here in Massachusetts. The Alliance works in collaboration with service partners, both public and private, across the state, including: the Massachusetts Department of Education, the Massachusetts Department of Employment and Training, and several key private organizations United Way, and the Corporation for National Service.

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Pension Reserves Investment Management (PRIM) Board

84 State Street, Suite 250
Boston, MA 02109
Phone: 617-946-8401
E-mail: contact@mapensions.com
www.mapension.com

The Pension Reserves Investment Management (PRIM) Board is charged with the general supervision of the PRIT Fund. The Pension Reserves Investment Trust (PRIT) Fund is a pooled investment fund established to invest the pension funds of the Massachusetts State Employees' and Teachers' Retirement Systems, and the assets of county, authority, district, and municipal retirement systems that choose to invest in the Fund. The PRIT Fund was created in December 1983 by the Legislature (chapter 661, acts 1983) with a mandate to accumulate assets through investment earnings and other revenue sources in order to reduce the Commonwealth's significant unfunded pension liability, and to assist local participating retirement systems in meeting their future pension obligations.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Employees Charitable Campaign (COMECC)

Executive Office for Administration and Finance
1 Ashburton Place, Room 301
Boston, MA 02108
Administration: 617-878-9700
COMECC Information Line: 617-348-6228
Email: comecc@Boston abcd.org
www.comecc.net

COMECC, established in 1984 under Executive Order 404, affords state employees the opportunity to support private, non-profit and health and human services and environmental organizations via payroll deductions.

Human Resources Division (HRD)

Executive Office for Administration and Finance
1 Ashburton Place, Room 301
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-878-9700
Email: MassHREmployeeServiceCenter@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/human-resources

The Human Resources Division  is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a merit system of personnel administration for the Commonwealth. Specifically, it administers the civil service system for positions in both state agencies and municipalities, provides personnel services to state agencies and municipalities, and sets policies and standards to ensure that public personnel practices adhere to basic merit principles and to contemporary personnel procedures. Civil Service is a merit system, based on examinations or (in the labor service) on registration, for the selection, promotion, and termination of state and municipal employees. The division administers written exams on both an open and promotional basis as well as on assembled examinations, based on training, experience and education or other criteria considered appropriate for specific professional positions. For information on exams, applications, scheduling, standing on lists, or any other state personnel or civil service issues, call the information numbers listed above between 8:45 a.m. -5:00 p.m. any business day.

Civil Service Unit

Executive Office for Administration and Finance Executive Office for Administration and Finance 1 Ashburton Place, Room 301
Boston, MA 02108-1517
Phone: 617-878-9700
Email: CivilService@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/civil-service-information

The Civil Service Unit is a quasi-judicial body to which appeals may be addressed with respect to implementation of the merit system in public employment. The Unit determines whether just cause exists for the discharge, removal, suspension, transfer or reduction in rank of civil service employees. The office also hears appeals relating to actions, or failures to act, by the Division of Human Resources in matters concerning eligibility for employment or promotion, fairness of the selection process, and proper classification of positions in public employment.

Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
19 Staniford Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-6800
Toll Free: 1-877-626-6800
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-unemployment-assistance
Walk-in Hours Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30 (Boston only)

The division administers the unemployment insurance program to eligible unemployed workers and promotes employment of the Commonwealth's job seekers. Through their telephone claims center, callers can initiate new claims, reopen existing claims, track the status of a claim, connect with the One Stop Career Centers, or ask questions of DUA employees.

There are two ways to file an Unemployment Insurance (UI) Claim:

File by phone:
If you live in area code 617, 857, 781, or 339 call the TeleClaim Center at 617-626-6800.
If you live in area code 508, 774, 978, 351, or 413, call the TeleClaim Center at 1-877-626-6800.

File in person:
You may file a claim in person at any Walk-in Center, call for the nearest location.

Information to have with you when you call/visit:
You Social Security Number, year of birth, and your home address and telephone number.
Whether an unemployment insurance claim in Massachusetts or in any other state has been filed during the past 12 months, and your last day of employment.
Other necessary information: the names and addresses of all employers worked for during the15 months prior to filing a claim and the dates worked for each. If reopening a claim, the same information for the past 8 weeks; the reason for unemployment reduction in hours; the names, dates of birth and social security numbers for any dependent children, if applying for dependency allowance; and Alien registration number if not a U.S. citizen.

Fraud Hotline

Program Integrity Department
Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
P.O. Box 8610
Boston, MA 02114
Toll Free: 1-800-354-9927
E-mail: UIFraud@massmail.state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/how-to/report-unemployment-insurance-fraud

The Program Integrity Department has as its primary function investigating allegations of abuse, mismanagement, or misconduct within the Division of Unemployment Assistance. It has implemented a 24-hour fraud hotline for employees, claimants, and employers to anonymously report any fraud, waste, or wrongdoing in the health insurance payment and collection process of unemployment. Confidential reports may be faxed or e-mailed as well.

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Interstate Claims

Division of Unemployment Assistance
Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
19 Staniford Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-6800
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-unemployment-assistance

This office assists Massachusetts unemployment insurance claimants who were employed in Massachusetts and moved away to another state in the U.S. If an individual moves to the Commonwealth from another state and seeks to file a claim for unemployment insurance against the state in which they were previously employed, the individual must contact the DET office in that other state.

Employer Contributions Division

Division of Unemployment Assistance
Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
19 Staniford Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-5075
Email: workshare@detma.org
www.mass.gov/unemployment-insurance-ui-for-employers

Most employers who employ one or more permanent, temporary or part-time workers in Massachusetts must pay unemployment insurance taxes. A new employer, or any employer who has not done business in Massachusetts before, must notify DUA immediately by filing an Employer Status Report enabling them to establish an employer account and receive a DUA number. The QUEST (quality unemployment system transformation) system of online unemployment contribution by employers is managed by this office.

Massachusetts Workshare Program

Division of Unemployment Assistance
Department of Workforce Development
19 Staniford Street
Boston, MA 02114
Worksharing: 617-626-5510
Work Opportunity Tax Credit: 617-626-5353
www.mass.gov/topics/workshare-program

The Massachusetts Worksharing Program allows employers to avoid laying off some or all of their workers by having all of the workers in a department or unit share reduced work hours. Under worksharing, eligible employees can collect the percentage of their unemployment insurance benefits equal to the percentage of reduction in their wages and hours. In addition, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Program was created by the Small Business Job Protection Act. It is a federally-funded program which is used to reduce the federal tax liability of private for-profit employers who hire new employees from select "targeted" areas. Contact the U. S. Department of Labor for more information.

Department of Labor Relations

Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
19 Staniford Street, 1st Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-7132
Fax: 617-626-7157
www.mass.gov/orgs/human-resources

Formerly the State Labor Relations Commission, the division enforces collective bargaining laws applicable to all non-federal public employees and certain private sector employees. It conducts elections through which employees can choose whether to be represented by a union. It investigates charges filed by employees, unions, and employers alleging that the state's collective bargaining laws have been violated. It issues decisions and order remedies where appropriate. The LRC also handles requests for public information and issues orders that determine what subjects may be negotiated or mediated.The Board of Conciliation and Arbitration may be reached through this office.

Springfield Office

Joint Labor Management Committee

Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
1 Ashburton Place, Room 610
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-626-5466
www.mass.gov/joint-labor-management-committee-jlmc

The committee has oversight responsibility for all collective bargaining involving municipal police and firefighters. The committee mediates settlements and assists in the resolution of disputes involving terms and conditions of collective bargaining agreements. It ensures that public safety services are not interrupted as a result of these negotiations.

Office of Employee Relations (OER)

Executive Office of Administration and Finance
Division of Human Resources
1 Ashburton Place, Room 1002
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-878-9700
Fax: 617-727-3252
www.mass.gov/orgs/human-resources

The Office of Employee Relations manages labor relations with the unions that represent employees in all Executive branch departments. This includes collective bargaining, contract administration and grievance resolution. OER also provides guidance on bargaining issues to the Board of Higher Education, University of Massachusetts, county sheriffs, registries of deeds and the Lottery Commission. Chapter 150E of the General Laws extends the right to organize and bargain collectively over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment to public employees in Massachusetts.

Department of Industrial Accidents

Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
1 Congress Street, Suite 100
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-727-4900
Toll Free: 1-800-323-3249
TTY: 1-800-224-6196
E-mail: Info2@massmail.state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-industrial-accidents
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00

All employers in Massachusetts are required by state law, MGL Ch. 152, to carry workers' compensation insurance covering all employees. Workers' compensation provides for compensation benefits when a worker is hurt on the job. The Department of Industrial Accidents is responsible for ensuring that employers meet the requirements of MGL Ch. 152 and that employers have valid contracts of insurance. It also reviews and approves all agreements for compensation and provides the administrative procedures for dispute resolution when claims are contested. Upon notification from an employer of a work-related injury, the department contacts the employee by supplying an informational brochure explaining the injured worker's rights and responsibilities. In addition, the division provides vocational and rehabilitation evaluation and referral. Note: As of June 3, 2004 a "Tipster Hotline" for anonymously reporting persons or businesses believed to be in violation of Workers Compensation laws in the state was established, call toll free (within Massachusetts) 1-877-627-7233.

Regional Offices

Fall River

Lawrence

Springfield

Worcester

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State Employees' Workers' Compensation

Executive Office for Administration and Finance
1 Ashburton Place, 3rd. Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-727-3437
Fax: 617-727-8331
www.mass.gov/workers-compensation-for-injured-workers

The Executive Office for Administration and Finance oversees workers' compensation for state employees.

Department of Family and Medical Leave

Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
PO Box 838
Lawrence, MA 01842
Phone: 833-366-7201
Fax: 617-855-6180
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-family-and-medical-leave

The Department of Family and Medical Leave oversees the Commonwealth’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. This program provides temporary income replacement to eligible workers who are welcoming a new child into their family, are struck by a serious illness or injury, need to take care of an ill or ailing relative, and for certain military considerations.