The general manager made some new rules. These include (1) if your late, you can't punch in for 15 minutes and (2) if you are really late, then you can't punch in for a half hour. Is this against Massachusetts or Federal law?

That depends. Are you expected to work during that time before you can punch in?

Of course, the easiest way to deal with this is, don't be late.

cbg,

She did not specify whether you had to work or not.

Also you are correct about "don't be late." However, dealing with tardiness is part of the job of a manager whether be disciplinary action or a scolding. Personally I think the manager should follow company policy rather than make up her own. That way if someone complains, she has support from the company on what she is doing. Right now making these rules puts her in a grey area.

As long as you are not expected to work during that time, I don't see a legal problem.

And how do you know she didn't get the okay on this from management? Even if she didn't, that doesn't make it illegal. There is no "grey area" as long as no laws are being violated.

cbg,

She does not have okay from the regional or corporate management. The employee handbook lays out the disciplinary course of action and what she is doing is not in accordance with it.

How is this not a grey area? It may not be against the law (depending if they work or not) but it seems like a good way to alienate employees.

For your information, I am rarely late. I am a model employee. I understand how to submit to authority and take direction without hesitation or grumbling.

It is not a grey area because it is not illegal. It may put her in a bad position with the employer, but she has not violated any laws. It's entirely up to the employer whether to allow this to continue or not. But this is not something for which anyone can take legal recourse.

And I didn't say YOU were late. The comment applies to anyone who is.