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Level for me, but not for thee

Apr 15th, 2008 by Taylor Armerding

Gov. Deval Patrick, in yet another example of political courage, has allowed a bill to become law that would hit employers with triple damages if they lose wage disputes with workers. The governor didn’t sign it, saying he had “concerns” that it could be “unfairly punitive.” But those alleged concerns didn’t prompt him to veto it either, which means it becomes law due to his intentional neglect.
And it makes one wonder, since the overwhelmingly Democratic Legislature is filled with lawmakers who are forever going on and on about how important it is to have a “level playing field,” if they will now pass another law: Any employee who loses a wage dispute case shall be required to pay triple the employer’s cost of defending the case.
What do you suppose are the chances of that? What do you suppose are the chances of anybody even proposing it?
So much for level playing fields.

Posted in Massachusetts politics, State issues, Taylor Armerding | View Comments

  • Jim Carlson

    Mr. Amerding,
    It would do no good for the legislative branch to pass such a law because the judicial branch would be sure that no employee ever lost such a suit.
    Only in Massachusetts.

  • bilge rat

    Does this also apply to state workers who file wage disputes against their employer, the Commonwealth of Mass? Ergo, the taxpayers will pick up the tab.

    Also, who will really paying the “punitive” damages? Companies will pass the cost on to the consumer….

    Just another example of how out of touch our esteemed Governor really is….

    Thanks a lot, Guv….Together we can….

  • bilge rat

    This may be a stretch, but does anyone think this has anything to do with the possibility of a question to abolish the income tax on the ballot?
    I’ve been hearing a lot about the Small Government Act lately which Carla Howell is trying to get on the ballot…
    Could the state be worried this might actually happen? Hey, I’m all for it, but that’s a discussion for another day…

    I’m not trying to hijack this thread, but it’s just a thought that occurred to me….

    I, for one, would be interested in reading the editorials of Mr. Armerding, Mr. Johnson, and Mr. Benton regarding the Small Government Act….

  • Jim Carlson

    BR
    Mr Amerdings commentary was geared toward the Governors
    cowardice, but don’t forget it was our tenured legislature who passed it.
    There is probably no one in Massachusetts who thinks the
    small Government act should pass but you, me and Carla Howell.
    thank God, the brainwashing hasn’t worked on everyone.

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