WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 2073

An Act to prohibit mandatory overtime

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 32 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill prohibits employers from requiring employees to work mandatory overtime beyond scheduled hours, affecting labor costs and operational flexibility across industries.

Reporting date extended to Thursday, December 31, 2026
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 2073

Legislative bill overview

H 2073 would prohibit employers in Massachusetts from requiring employees to work mandatory overtime beyond their regularly scheduled hours. The bill restricts an employer's ability to compel workers to extend their shifts or work unscheduled additional hours, with limited exceptions that would likely be defined in the final legislation.

Why is this important

Mandatory overtime directly affects worker quality of life, health, and safety—particularly in healthcare, manufacturing, and emergency services where it's most common. The policy also has significant economic implications for employers' labor costs and operational flexibility, and could reshape workplace scheduling practices across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Labor market impacts: Employers argue mandatory overtime allows them to maintain adequate staffing during emergencies or unexpected absences; restrictions could increase hiring costs or require larger permanent workforces
  • Healthcare and emergency services: Industries relying on mandatory overtime may face operational challenges, potentially affecting service availability and quality in hospitals, fire departments, and police forces
  • Scope of exceptions: Unclear what exemptions would apply (emergency situations, critical infrastructure, etc.), which could create enforcement disputes and unequal treatment across sectors
  • Worker protection vs. worker choice: Some workers voluntarily accept overtime for income; the bill removes their ability to opt-in to mandatory assignments

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.