Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., a leading labor and employment law firm serving employers in the greater Springfield area, is encouraging businesses to be proactive about preparing for the amendments to the Massachusetts Pay Equity Act (MPEA), which take effect on July 1, 2018.
“Employers who in good faith complete a pay audit that is reasonable in detail and scope and who can demonstrate that reasonable progress has been made toward eliminating wage differentials will have a complete affirmative defense to claims under MPEA and Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151B, the state’s antidiscrimination statute,” said Attorney Marylou V. Fabbo, a partner at Skoler Abbott.
Skoler Abbott will assist businesses with the creation and implementation of an audit plan and provide legal advice about best practices. Audit-related services include:
- Identifying the goals, objectives and scope of the audit
- Gathering pertinent data
- Analyzing data to identify areas of concern
- Providing a legal analysis to identify necessary pay adjustments and reclassifications
- Recommending changes to policies and practices
- Advising about the implementation of any recommended changes
“A pay audit conducted now can provide your organization with valuable protection if a discrimination claim is filed against it under state law,” reiterated Attorney Fabbo. “We work with each client to establish a flat fee that reflects the scope and detail of the audit.”
For employers interested in learning more about how the amendments to MPEA will affect their businesses, the attorneys from Skoler Abbott will host a Breakfast Briefing at the Sheraton Springfield Hotel at Monarch Place on Thursday, March 1, from 8:30–10:30 a.m., with registration from 8–8:30 a.m. For information and to register, visit skoler-abbott.com/training-programs. To request a consultation or audit, call Skoler Abbott at 413-737-4753.