Gov. Patrick steps in it again.
A controversial bill that would whack employers with triple damages if they lose wage disputes with workers was allowed to slip into law by Gov. Deval Patrick, even though he had concerns about the legislation’s fairness.
Patrick, who had prevously tried to amend the bill to lessen the blow on employers, refused to sign or veto the final so-called “treble-damages” bill opposed by business groups and backed by labor groups normally allied with Patrick’s Democratic party.
As a result of Patrick’s inaction, the bill automatically lapsed into law yesterday.
“I am allowing the bill to become law because I support efforts to ensure that all workers are paid the wages and compensation legally owed them,” Patrick said in a letter last week to lawmakers.
“I am declining to sign the bill because I remain concerned that mandatory treble damages in all cases, without exception for employers who act in good faith, is unfairly punitive.”
But the Associated Industries of Massachusetts wasn’t pleased with Patrick’s logic.
The new law is “one more disincentive to conduct business here in the commonwealth,” said AIM in a statement yesterday.
UPDATE: More from the Globe and Herald.
SECOND UPDATE: From Holly Robichaud and the Herald.
