Archive for December, 2008

Arbitrator Rules That Internal Affairs Policies And Procedures Are Incorporated Into Police Union Contract

Thursday, December 11th, 2008 by Susan Horwitz

In a case between the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association, Inc. (BPPA) and the City of Boston, Arbitrator Michael Ryan found  that the Internal Affairs procedures of the Boston Police Department Rules are “benefits” incorporated into the collective bargaining agreement. And…

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Employer May Violate Employee’s Rights By Refusing To Provide Religious Accommodation To Grooming Policy

Thursday, December 4th, 2008 by Patrick Bryant

Massachusetts law prohibits employers from requiring employees to violate a religious practice and therefore requires employers to provide a “reasonable accommodation” of their religious practice, so long as the accommodation does not create “undue hardship” for the employer. In Brown…

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Public Employee’s Stress, Anxiety Caused By Negative Publicity and Prisoner Harassment Is Covered Under Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Act, SJC Rules.

Monday, December 1st, 2008 by Patrick Bryant

Recently, the Supreme Judicial Court ruled in Cosmo Bisazza’s Case, SJC-10183 (Nov. 20, 2008), that mental and emotional injuries are analyzed under the same standard as physical injuries under the Workers’ Compensation Act.  An employee is eligible for workers’ compensation…

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