Page 69 - BusinessWest April 27, 2026

Business Banking | Cash Management | Commercial Lending
• Stop the retaliation claim at the manager level. Step in when
a complaint comes in to script the next steps (what to document,
what not to say, and what actions to pause), so a simple issue
doesn’t become a termination plus a lawsuit storyline.
• Replace one-off legal fires with reusable tools. Build offer let-
ter language, separation checklists, accommodation forms, and
investigation templates so you’re not paying outside counsel to
reinvent the wheel.
• Create contract and vendor leverage. Tighten vendor terms
(auto-renew, indemnity, limitation of liability, data/security) and
Power Power
negotiate faster, avoiding the ‘sign now, fix later’ premium.
• Ensure accessibility demand readiness. Create a response
plan and coordinate quick remediation so a demand letter doesn’t
spiral into expensive, time-sensitive outside counsel work.
• Focus on cost avoidance. Spot wage-and-hour, leave, classifica-
Y You our r
tion, and documentation issues early before they become claims,
audits, or back pay.
Business Business
“Spend 30 minutes pressure-testing overtime
calculations, meal break deductions, and final-
with a full-service team with a full-service team
pay procedures, and make sure your handbook
explains the your compliant procedures properly.”
focused on focused on your success. your success.
• Reduce outside counsel spend. Reserve outside counsel for
true specials (litigation and complex deals), not routine day-to-day
calls.
• Make faster decisions. Get real-time guidance on termina-
tions, restructures, policies, and vendor contracts so leadership
doesn’t stall or improvise.
• Create cleaner documentation. Tighten records, templates,
and manager practices so your decisions hold up if challenged.
• Make better risk tradeoffs. When you do take risk, do it with
eyes open and with a plan.
For Massachusetts employers trying to lower overhead without
creating new liability, the goal is simple: don’t ‘save’ money today
and spend more money tomorrow cleaning up the fallout. A little
structure, plus the right legal support at the right time, goes a long
way.
Five Quick Fixes to Reduce Risks
and Save Money Now
1. Audit Payroll and Timekeeping. Spend 30 minutes pres-
sure-testing overtime calculations, meal break deductions, and
final-pay procedures, and make sure your handbook explains
the your compliant procedures properly. This is one of the most
expensive categories of Massachusetts employment claims.
2. Re-evaluate Contractor Classifications. Apply the state’s
strict ABC test to every 1099 role. Fixing misclassification early
beats defending it later.
3. Train Frontline Managers. Most retaliation and accommo-
dation claims start with one poorly handled conversation. Short,
targeted training reduces risk fast.
4. Document the Accommodation Process. Use a simple,
repeatable form to track ADA and pregnancy-related requests.
Consistency is one of your strongest defenses.
5. Fix Website Accessibility Basics. Add alt text, label forms,
caption videos, and update PDFs. These are low-cost improve-
ments that can reduce ADA exposure and improve customer
reach. BW
Tanzi Cannon-Eckerle is a local business and labor &
employment attorney operating as fractional general
counsel for businesses in the New England area; t.cannon@
gcbycannon.com; (413) 369-9220; www.gcbycannon.com
AVP Commercial Lender Catherine Rioux, VP Commercial Lender Darlene Mark, VP Business
Development & Cash Management Corinne Sawyer, SVP Commercial Lender Rob Chateauneuf,
Business Development Officer Ana Parrelli, and Business Development Officer Aimee Kohn.
Our local commercial lenders and business
banking experts support businesses of all sizes
with fast, local decisions. Let us find the right
solution for you. Contact us at 413-893-3524 or
[email protected]
www.monsonsavings.bank
All deposits fully insured.
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