The Healey-Driscoll administration has relaunched the Council on the Underground Economy (CUE), introducing eight new appointees to spearhead efforts against workplace injustices such as employee misclassification and wage theft. Governor Maura Healey stated, "Our administration is committed to supporting our workforce, ensuring fair treatment for all Massachusetts workers, and creating a level playing field for all businesses," as reported by Mass.gov. In tandem, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll emphasized the collaborative nature of the CUE's strategy to uphold the state's competitive edge while safeguarding resident workers and legitimate businesses.
The CUE's primary focus is to enhance compliance with labor laws through education for both business owners and employees, conducting targeted investigations, and enforcement actions against violators; the council aims to fortify workplace health, safety, benefits, and ensure fairness among companies, and just last year, joint state and federal agency coordination stemming from the CUE’s tipline actions yielded over $26.7 million recouped. The revamped council will also continue to facilitate operations of the CUE's tipline which has been an instrumental tool for uncovering unlawful activities. In her role as the chair of the council, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones told Mass.gov, "I look forward to chairing the Council, working collaboratively with our partners in labor, business, and across state and federal government to elevate the excellent work of investigators and the use of the tipline to ensure compliance with the law."
Residents and employers looking to report suspicious activities can contact the CUE tipline by calling 877-96-LABOR or emailing [email protected]. The administration's goal is to align businesses with Massachusetts laws and tax requirements through proactive reach and tip engagement. Notably, the CUE will also be hosting quarterly council meetings to sustain momentum and enhance agency cooperation in the ongoing fight against clandestine economic activities and worker exploitation.
The revamped council will feature representatives from a range of state agencies, including the Office of Public Safety and the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants. This highlights a comprehensive approach to combating the underground economy. The CUE's integrated framework demonstrates a broad commitment across various sectors to protect and advance workers' rights and support businesses that comply with legislative norms, ensuring that Massachusetts remains a fair environment for commerce and labor. This initiative, as reflected in the council's composition, draws from diverse governmental sectors, each contributing expertise to a unified effort against fraudulent and unfair labor practices.
