New laws expanding protections for food and grocery delivery workers and couriers took effect last week in New York City. The package of laws applies to workers hired or otherwise engaged by third party delivery services to deliver goods such as food, beverages, groceries or papers, and build upon existing protections for such workers, including
Bill Amending New York State’s “Stay or Pay” Law Introduced in Legislature
***UPDATE*** Governor Hochul signed the bill into law on February 13, 2026. Read more here.
A bill amending New York State’s recently enacted “stay or pay” law has been introduced in the State legislature.
As we previously reported, on December 19, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law the Trapped at Work Act
New York State Minimum Wage and Exempt Salary Updates for 2026
As we approach the new year, New York employers should be aware of increases to the state exempt status salary thresholds and minimum wage that will take effect on January 1, 2026.
Exempt Salary Threshold Increases
Under New York State wage law, employees working in an executive or administrative capacity must receive a minimum weekly
NY State Bans “Stay or Pay” Agreements with Workers
Effective immediately, New York employers are barred from utilizing certain “stay or pay” contracts with workers. Governor Kathy Hochul has signed into law the Trapped at Work Act, which restricts employers from requiring that workers pay them if they leave employment during a certain period of time, subject to limited exceptions. California enacted a similar law