Barry Miller Discusses Class Action Wage Suits Potential Money Grab Opportunity in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly quoted Barry Miller in its article, “Employer’s Wage Act counterclaims tossed as SLAPP suits,” on January 10. Miller discussed how the harsh penalties under Massachusetts’ wage laws, the lack of a “good faith” defense to imposition of treble damages, and the proliferation of wage-related claims have left employers feeling that class action wage suits are an opportunistic money grab.

“Many employers are thus motivated to fight fire with fire, including by filing counterclaims against plaintiffs. The analysis in the Hidalgo case emphasizes that the playing field is not level, ... and an employer will rarely accomplish much by suing an employee based merely on the employee’s commencing of litigation, even if the employee’s claim is unfounded.”

The full article is available here.