Massachusetts § 30 - Eight hour day and six day week; emergencies; work on highways
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 30 — Eight hour day and six day week; emergencies; work on highways, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 30. Eight hour day and six day week; emergencies; work on highways
Section 30. The service of all laborers, workmen, mechanics, foremen and inspectors now or hereafter employed by the commonwealth or any county therein or any town which, by vote of the city council, or of the voters at a town meeting, accepts this section or has accepted section one of chapter two hundred and forty of the General Acts of nineteen hundred and sixteen, or by any contractor or sub-contractor for or upon any public works of the commonwealth or of any county therein or of any such town is hereby restricted to eight hours in any one day, to forty-eight hours in any one week, and to six days in any one week. No officers of the commonwealth, except as provided herein, or of any county or of any such town, no such contractor or sub-contractor or other person whose duty it is to employ, direct or control the service of such laborers, workmen, mechanics, foremen or inspectors shall require or permit any such laborer, workman, mechanic, foreman or inspector to work more than eight hours in any one day, or more than forty-eight hours in any one week, or more than six days in any one week, except in cases of emergency. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the employment by the state department of highways, or by any contractor or sub-contractor for said department, of laborers, workmen, mechanics, foremen or inspectors for more than eight hours in any one day in the construction or reconstruction of highways when, in the opinion of the attorney general, public necessity so requires.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 30
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 30 cover?
Section 30 ("Eight hour day and six day week; emergencies; work on highways") 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 § 30?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 30" (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 § 30 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.