What is the Blue Law and should I be getting paid extra to work on sundays?

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What is the Blue Law and should I be getting paid extra to work on sundays?

I work full time, hourly, at a pet boarding facility.
I work every Sunday. Should I be getting paid
extra according to the blue law?

Asked on October 17, 2018 under Employment Labor Law, Massachusetts

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 5 years ago | Contributor


A "blue law" is a law prohibiting certain activities, such as shopping, on a Sunday. They started in colonial New England as a strict religious observance law which prevented entertainment or leisure activities on a Sunday. Such a law has no effect on the payment of wages. The fact is that Sunday pay is the same as any other day of the week. Further, holiday pay is paid at the discretion of an employer and overtime only kicks in after an hourly employee works over 40 hours in their work week.

 

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 5 years ago | Contributor

A "blue law" is a law that bars retail businesss--either some types or all, depending on the law--from operating on a Sunday as a way of respecting religious traditions and encourage people to spend time with families or with their neighors and community, not shopping. It has nothing to do with wages, and does not require extra pay for non-retail workers who work that day.


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