From our Blog
August 14, 2017
New York City Adopts New 'Ban the Box' Regulations, Continues Expansion of Employee Rights
Although New York City's "ban the box" law, the Fair Chance Act ("FCA"), went into effect close to two years ago, the New York City Commission on Human Rights' final regulations became effective on August 5, 2017.
July 28, 2017
Proposed New York City Council Legislation Would Add Private Right of Action to Earned Sick Time Act and Prohibit Non-Competes for Low-Wage Employees
New legislation introduced in the New York City Council would add a private right of action to the Earned Sick Time Act (Introduction 1667) and prohibit employers from entering into a covenant not to compete with any low-wage employee of that employer (Introduction 1663).
Introduction 1667 was sponsored by the Council’s Deputy Leader for Policy, Brad Lander, at the Stated Meeting on July 20, 2017. The Council’s Courts and Legal Services Chair, Rory Lancman, sponsored Introduction 1663 at the same meeting.
July 20, 2017
Final New York Paid Family Leave Regulations Released: What Employers Need to Know
The Workers’ Compensation Board adopted the final regulations for New York’s new Paid Family Leave Benefits Law (PFL) on July 19, 2017. Final Regulations were issued previously by the Department of Financial Services on May 16, 2017.
PFL will provide broad paid family leave benefits through the state’s existing Disability Benefits Law. In addition to paid benefits, eligible employees have the right to a leave of absence and guaranteed reinstatement even if they are not protected by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
June 1, 2017
Mayor Signs Major Workplace Reforms for Fast Food & Retail Workers
Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the New York City Council's five-bill Fair Work Week legislative package, intended to reform scheduling and workplace practices for fast food and retail workers in New York City.
May 30, 2017
New York City Council Passes Major Workplace Reforms for Fast Food & Retail Workers
The New York City Council has passed five bills as part of legislative package intended to reform scheduling and workplace practices for fast food and retail workers in New York City.
May 17, 2017
New NYC Law Imposes Additional Requirements on Companies Contracting With Freelancers
Effective May 15, 2017, the "Freelance Isn't Free Act" delineates additional duties for businesses contracting with freelance workers on or after May 15, 2017, in New York City.
The law:
May 8, 2017
NYC Enacts New Law Limiting Prospective Employers' Ability to Obtain and Use Salary History
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed into law on May 4, 2017, legislation that will prohibit employers from inquiring about, relying upon, and verifying a job applicant’s salary history. The bill, authored by New York City Public Advocate Letitia James, will apply to all employers in New York City, public and private. The legislation will take effect on October 31, 2017, 180 days after signing.
April 6, 2017
New York City Council Approves Legislation Limiting Prospective Employers' Ability to Obtain and Use Salary History Information
The New York City Council has approved legislation prohibiting employers from inquiring about, relying upon, and verifying a job applicant’s salary history. Advocates of the legislation (Int. 1253-A), approved on April 5, maintain that it will contribute to gender pay equity and reduce the likelihood that women will be prejudiced by prior salary levels.
March 7, 2017
New Paid Family Leave Benefits for New York Employees: What Employers Need to Know
New York’s Paid Family Leave Benefits Law (PFL) will provide broad paid family leave benefits through the state’s existing Disability Benefits Law for all employees who have worked at least 26 consecutive weeks (or 175 days for part-time employees) for the employer. The law also will provide such employees with the right to a leave of absence and guaranteed reinstatement even if they are not protected by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
February 22, 2017
New York State Regulations Governing Payroll Debit Cards (Scheduled to Become Effective March 7) Held Invalid and Revoked
The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) issued final regulations in September 2016, significantly restricting the use of payroll debit cards and imposing disclosure and consent requirements for direct deposit. The regulations (12 NYCRR §192) were to become effective on March 7, 2017. However, in a February 16, 2017, decision, the New York State Industrial Board of Appeals (IBA) held the regulations “invalid” and “revoked.” “We find the regulations are invalid because they exceed [the NYS Commissioner’s] rulemaking authority,&rd
