Massachusetts Senate Bill S2004

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/5/24

Caption

Discouraging employers from closing call centers and customer service operations in the Commonwealth and relocating overseas, and for other purposes

Impact

The bill includes a penalty of up to $10,000 per day for employers who fail to comply with the notice requirement. Furthermore, it mandates the compilation and distribution of a list of employers who relocate their call centers, which aims to hold these businesses accountable. The measure is designed to strengthen job security for workers in customer service roles by imposing restrictions on employers that move operations overseas or out of state, thereby attempting to protect jobs that are critical to the local economy.

Summary

S2004, also known as the 'Save Massachusetts Call Center Jobs Act of 2021', aims to discourage employers from closing their call centers and relocating customer service operations outside of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The bill establishes regulations that require employers to notify the Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development at least 120 days before any intended relocations. This advance notice is part of an effort to ensure that employees and the state government can prepare for potential job losses due to these corporate decisions.

Contention

Notably, the bill's provisions also include stipulations that employers listed for relocating would be barred from accessing state grants, guaranteed loans, or tax benefits for a period of five years. This aspect of the bill could be contentious among businesses as it limits financial incentives for companies that might consider relocating to lower-cost areas. The policy is framed as a safeguard for workers, but critics may argue it places unnecessary burdens on businesses, potentially discouraging economic growth and investment within the state.