Massachusetts § 31 - Eight hour day for towns and public works for towns; emergencies; acceptance of statute relating to employees of commonwealth
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 31 — Eight hour day for towns and public works for towns; emergencies; acceptance of statute relating to employees of commonwealth, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31. Eight hour day for towns and public works for towns; emergencies; acceptance of statute relating to employees of commonwealth
Section 31. The service of all laborers, workmen and mechanics now or hereafter employed by any town which has accepted section twenty of chapter one hundred and six of the Revised Laws, or section forty-two of chapter five hundred and fourteen of the acts of nineteen hundred and nine, or said section forty-two, as affected by chapter four hundred and ninety-four of the acts of nineteen hundred and eleven, and which has not 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 any such town, is hereby restricted to eight hours in any one day. No officer 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 or mechanics shall require or permit any such laborer, workman or mechanic to work more than eight hours in any one day, except in cases of extraordinary emergency. But any such town may accept the preceding section and shall thereupon become subject thereto.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 31
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 31 cover?
Section 31 ("Eight hour day for towns and public works for towns; emergencies; acceptance of statute relating to employees of commonwealth") 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 § 31?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 31" (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 § 31 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.