Massachusetts § 33A - Five day and forty hour week for cities and towns; emergencies; overtime; reduction of compensation
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 33A — Five day and forty hour week for cities and towns; emergencies; overtime; reduction of compensation, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 33A. Five day and forty hour week for cities and towns; emergencies; overtime; reduction of compensation
Section 33A. Except as otherwise provided in this section and notwithstanding any other provision of general or special law, the service of all persons employed by every city in which this section has been accepted in the manner provided in earlier provisions thereof, or shall be accepted, in the case of cities having a Plan E charter, by the affirmative vote of two thirds of all the members of the city council, and, in the case of other cities by vote of the city council, subject to the provisions of the charter, and in every town in which it has been or shall be accepted by vote of the town at an annual town meeting, shall be restricted to five days and forty hours in any one week; provided, that, in cases of emergency, when the mayor or a city official designated by him, the city manager in cities having a Plan E charter, or a city official designated by him, and the board of selectmen or a town official designated by them, determines that public necessity so requires, which determination shall be final and conclusive, service in excess of the days and hours aforesaid may be authorized by an officer of such city or town or by any other person whose duty it is to employ, direct or control such employees, and such additional service shall be compensated for as overtime. This section shall not apply to policemen, firemen, school teachers, incumbents of offices specifically established by or under the authority of any general law or special act, or such other classes or groups of employees as from time to time may be specifically exempted therefrom in the manner provided for the acceptance of this section. The compensation payable to any employee shall not be reduced by reason of acceptance of this section.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 33A
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 33A cover?
Section 33A ("Five day and forty hour week for cities and towns; emergencies; overtime; reduction of compensation") 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 § 33A?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 33A" (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 § 33A 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.