Massachusetts § 23A - Armed guards during labor troubles; qualifications; violation of statute
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 23A — Armed guards during labor troubles; qualifications; violation of statute, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23A. Armed guards during labor troubles; qualifications; violation of statute
Section 23A. No person, during the continuance of a strike, lockout or other labor trouble among his employees or those of another person, shall directly or indirectly employ or procure for the protection of such employees any armed guards other than watchmen regularly employed by such person, police officers or persons licensed under sections twenty-three to thirty, inclusive, of chapter one hundred and forty-seven or employees of such licensees; provided, that the foregoing shall not authorize the employing or procuring as aforesaid of any such licensee unless he shall have been so licensed at least two months prior to the commencement of such labor trouble, or of any employee of such a licensee unless such employee is a citizen of Massachusetts, and shall not have been convicted of a felony. Any person violating this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than two thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 23A
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 23A cover?
Section 23A ("Armed guards during labor troubles; qualifications; violation of statute") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 23A?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 23A" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 23A apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.