Retailers Disappointed Baker Keeping Rule about Sunday Pay

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Gov. Charlie Baker

BOSTON (AP) — Some retailers are saying they’re unhappy with Gov. Charlie Baker for not seeking to end the state’s requirement that stores pay workers time-and-a-half on Sundays.

Baker has filed an economic development bill that includes a provision that online retailers such as Amazon do not have to give extra pay to employees working Sundays at their warehouses. But it doesn’t change the rule for traditional retailers, a vestige of regulations known as Massachusetts Blue Laws.

Retailers Association of Massachusetts President Jon Hurst says it would be an “understatement” to say his group is disappointed.

A spokesman for the Republican governor didn’t respond directly to the retailers’ complaints but he says the economic development bill helps retailers by revitalizing downtown shopping districts.

Amazon recently announced plans for a Fall River distribution facility.