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Can My Employer Reduce My Wages or Commissions?

Because Massachusetts is an "at will employment" state, your employer can make changes to your responsibilities and compensation at any time, unless you have an employment contract that says otherwise.

However, these must be changes going forward.  Your employer is not allowed to retroactively change your compensation, or withhold any wages or commissions that you have already earned.

You also have a right to be notified of changes before they take effect.  If you were promised $25 per hour, and receive a paycheck showing $20 per hour without being told, your employer has likely violated the Massachusetts Wage Act at least for the weeks you worked believing you were being paid $25 per hour.

This comes up most commonly with commissions.  An employer might change the commission policy during the year, but has to make sure that you are paid for any commissions earned while under the prior policy.


Learn more here about the Massachusetts Wage Act.

Need Help With Compensation Changes?

Contact Us
changing wages or commissions Massachusetts employment lawyer

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​Sharon MA 02067

(781) 784-2322
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  • Home
  • Estate Planning
    • Massachusetts Wills and Trusts
    • Why You Need an Estate Plan
    • Massachusetts Estate Tax
    • Inheritance Tax
    • How to Make an Estate Plan
  • Employment Law Solutions
    • Employment Law MA
    • Employment Termination
    • Sexual Harassment at Work >
      • Sexual Harassment in a Small Business
      • Sexual Harassment and Non Disclosure Agreements
      • Sexual Harassment and Remote Work
    • Wage and Hour Laws
    • Independent Contractor Law
    • Non Compete Agreements >
      • Are non competes enforceable
      • Massachusetts Non Compete Act
      • Pre 2018 Massachusetts Non Competes
    • Equal Pay Act
  • Business Law Solutions
    • Small Business Law
    • Business Contract Basics
    • Civil Suit Defense
    • Legal Issues for Start Ups
    • Trademark Basics
    • How to Incorporate
    • Sale of Business
  • Attorneys
    • Emily Smith-Lee >
      • 2018 Lawyer of the Year
    • Jenna Ordway
    • Rebecca Rogers
    • Stowell Simonton
    • Elijah Bresley
  • Reviews
  • Blog
  • Contact