BBB in Eastern MA, ME, RI & VT: What to know if you have a complaint about an employer

If you have a complaint about an employer in Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, or Rhode Island, BBB in Eastern MA, ME, RI & VT is here to help you through the process.

Consumers have relied on the Better Business Bureau to find trustworthy businesses and brands. In addition to being a resource for consumers searching for companies to do business with, BBB accepts and processes consumer complaints and customer reviews.

Sometimes, some things need to be clarified about the types of disputes BBB handles, such as complaints from employees (and former employees) about an employer. We want to clear up the confusion in this article.

Similar to complaints, BBB handles customer reviews about marketplace issues only. Therefore, we do not accept a review on a business you have previously worked for if it pertains to workplace issues.

The types of complaints BBB processes

BBB manages complaints about marketplace issues experienced with a business's services or products. We process grievances about BBB-accredited and non-accredited companies. However, we do not handle employer/employee disputes, including issues about wages, W-2 forms, employee schedules and hours, and other complaints about an employer.

Some common situations BBB receives calls about include:

• An employer withheld a paycheck, or an employee has a grievance about their pay rate.
• An employer withheld accrued vacation or sick time.
• An employee’s scheduled hours were reduced.
• An employee has been terminated, and they need to dispute it.
• An employee needs tax information like a W-2 form.
• An employee needs information about their legal rights as an employee of a business.

BBB refers these types of calls to the appropriate department of labor.

So then, what does one do if they are an employee or previous employee of a company? You can contact your state’s department of labor. Contact information is below for Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont and Rhode Island.

Who to call with a complaint about an employer or former employer

If you would like to complain about an employer/former employer, your state’s Department of Labor is the best place to contact.

Find additional information in Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, and Rhode Island.

Massachusetts

• How to file a workplace complaint in Massachusetts.

[link to https://www.mass.gov/how-to/file-a-workplace-complaint]

Maine

• Maine Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division: Call 207-623-7900 (phone), TTY Maine relay 711.
• State, County and Local Governments Employee Complaint Form [link to https://www.maine.gov/labor/bls/pscf/]

Vermont

• Online Wage Complaint Form  [link to https://labor.vermont.gov/form/online-wage-claim-form]
• Reporting Employment Discrimination, Harassment or Discrimination at Work (excludes state government employment - see contact info below): Vermont Attorney General's Office, Civil Rights Unit: Call 888-745-9195 (toll-free in VT) or 802-828-3657
• State Government Employment, State of Vermont Human Rights Commission, File a Complaint [link to https://hrc.vermont.gov/how-to-file]

Rhode Island

• Wage Complaint Forms [link to https://dlt.ri.gov/regulation-and-safety/labor-standards/wage-complaints]
• Information for Filing a Workplace Discrimination Complaint [link to https://dlt.ri.gov/employers/fair-employment-practices]

More information about the types of complaints BBB handles and how to file a complaint.