June 9, 2021CALL TO ACTION:Support Extension of Important COVID-19 Measures Set to Expire on June 15thThe Massachusetts Senate is poised to take up legislation tomorrow, Thursday, June 10th, designed to extend certain measures adopted during the pandemic which would otherwise sunset on June 15th with the Governor’s planned lifting of the current state of emergency. Click here to contact your Senator and request their support.
S2467 - An Act relative to extending certain COVID-19 measures adopted during the state of emergency includes two provisions strongly supported by RAM, including an extension of alcohol to go through March 1, 2022 (sections 1 and 7), and an extension of outdoor dining through April 1, 2021 (section 21). In addition, RAM strongly supports Amendment #23-Temporary Extended Work Hours for Minors, filed by Sen. Bruce Tarr on RAM’s behalf, which would accelerate the start of the expanded summer evening hours for minors under the age of 16 from July 1st to June 15th. Applicable for this year only and for a limited period of two weeks, the measure would provide minors under 16 with the opportunity to work an additional 2 hours per evening (24 potential hours over the course of the two weeks). In doing so, the proposal would provide employers—those attempting to resume normal operations as well as those seeking seasonal help—with some level of relief from the current pandemic-related worker shortage. RAM is asking members to please request support for Amendment #23 from their Senators. RAM is also monitoring a number of other amendments with the potential to impact industry operations, including those calling for even further extensions of outdoor dining, alcohol to go, and a one year extension of the third-party delivery fee cap of 15%. If any of the issues outlined above are important to you and the continued success of your business as it recovers from the pandemic, RAM strongly urges you to take action today by contacting your local Senator and requesting their support.
RAM REMINDER: Premium Pay Required on Juneteenth Independence DayMembers are reminded that Juneteenth Independence Day, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, has been established as a state holiday in Massachusetts. It has also been added to the list of holidays that require retail premium pay under the state’s Blue Laws. On Saturday, June 19th all work performed at retail must be compensated at 1.2 times an employee’s regular hourly wage. In addition, all work on the 19th must remain voluntary, and refusal to work may not be grounds for discrimination, dismissal, discharge, reduction in hours, or any other penalty. For more information please visit the RAM 2021 Retail Holiday Schedule.
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