2018 Blog Archives
October 30, 2018
Election 2018: Midterms’ Effect on Employment Law Issues and Advocacy
Voters will have the chance to determine the outcome of races for more than 6,000 legislative seats and 36 governorships, as well as weigh in on 160 or so statewide ballot measures, on Election Day, November 6, 2018. While the federal elections, including the battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, will affect employment law throughout the country, the impact of state elections may be even greater on the companies doing businesses in some states.
October 3, 2018
New York State Issues Final Guidance Regarding Combating Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
The State of New York has issued final guidance on combating sexual harassment in the workplace. This includes updated guidance on the mandatory sexual harassment prevention policies and annual employee training applicable to employers in New York beginning October 9, 2018.
September 18, 2018
New Version of Model FCRA Summary of Rights Released; And You Have Less Than A Week to Comply
A new model “A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act” disclosure form document was released on September 12, 2018 by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Employers and background check companies should begin using the new form by September 21, 2018.
September 5, 2018
Reminder: New York City Employers Must Distribute Fact Sheet, Post Notice on Sexual Harassment Law by Sept. 6
Beginning September 6, 2018, all New York City employers must distribute the New York City Commission on Human Rights’ mandatory fact sheet on the “Stop Sexual Harassment in NYC Act” to all new hires. Employers also may wish to distribute the fact sheet to existing employees, even though that is not expressly required by the law or by the city notice.
August 3, 2018
New York Legislature Approves Paid Family Leave Expansion for Bereavement and Organ Tissue Donation
On the last day of the 2018 New York Legislative Session, lawmakers approved a measure that would expand access to the current New York Paid Family Leave benefit to employees experiencing bereavement due to the death of a family member.
If the Governor signs the bill (S.8380-A (Funke)/A.10639-A (Morelle)), employees may start utilizing the program for bereavement starting January 1, 2020.
June 27, 2018
Localities and the Salary History Ban: Next Stop, Westchester County, New York
New York’s Westchester County is the latest locality to adopt legislation prohibiting employers from asking prior salary histories of a prospective employee.
On Equal Pay Day, April 10, 2018, Westchester County Executive George Latimer signed legislation with the stated legislative intent of preventing the perpetuation of the gender wage gap, as well as of assisting older workers and those returning to the workforce after a long hiatus.
June 8, 2018
New York City Enacts Anti-Sexual Harassment Legislation that Includes Training Requirement
Mandatory annual sexual harassment training for employees in New York City is one feature of a package of legislation targeting sexual harassment in the workplace signed by Mayor Bill de Blasio on May 9, 2018. Most private employers in New York City will be required to conduct annual sexual harassment training for employees beginning April 1, 2019.
May 8, 2018
New York Legislature Passes Significant Changes to Laws Combating Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
As part of the 2018-2019 New York State Budget, the Governor and the Legislature have agreed to legislation aimed at combating sexual harassment in the workplace (Part KK of S7507-C). The legislation, including the anti-sexual harassment provisions, has passed both the Senate and Assembly, and the Governor expects it to be signed into law soon.
Provisions on the prevention of sexual harassment in New York workplaces included in the Budget agreement affect state contracts, mandatory arbitration clauses, mandatory nondisclosure agreements, and other subjects.
April 24, 2018
New York City Legislation Would Mandate Sexual Harassment Training, Expand Employer Coverage under Human Rights Law
The New York City Council has introduced a package of legislation aimed at preventing sexual harassment in the workplace and strengthening the City’s anti-sexual harassment policies.
April 2, 2018
New York City Expands Definitions of ‘Sexual Orientation’ and ‘Gender’ in Human Rights Law
A new law passed by the New York City Council amends and significantly broadens the definitions of “sexual orientation” and “gender” in the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL). The new law will become effective on May 11, 2018.
