Why wouldn't volunteers have the exact same protections/rights as a paid employee when they do the exact job and follow the same requirements mandated by the state for the job/volunteer position? These are volunteers covered by workmens comp, local tax reductions (property tax), malpractice insurance-provided by the agency for the volunteers. Whistle blower rights are not covered and in Massachusettes you cannot claim sexual harrassment? This is one item I found when I googled-Volunteers serving with a public entity have First Amendment Right to speak out on a public issue-Wonder v Hyland, CA9, 127 F3 1135