On January 17, 2024, New York Governor Kathy Hochul released her proposed Executive Budget for fiscal year 2025. The budget includes proposed legislation that would amend the New York Labor Law to confirm that liquidated damages are not available as a remedy for a violation of Labor Law § 191(1)(a)(1), which requires—absent a waiver
New and Proposed Laws and Legislation
New York Enacts Statewide “Freelance Isn’t Free Act”
On November 22, 2023, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law a statewide “Freelance Isn’t Free Act” to provide certain protections for freelance workers. The act mirrors protections in New York City’s law of the same name, which took effect in May 2017.
Here are the highlights of the Freelance Isn’t Free…
EEOC Releases New Employer Guidance On Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
As we covered here, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) is effective today! As a reminder, the PWFA extends the requirements of the ADA to employees with known limitations related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. The EEOC stated that they will begin accepting charges of discrimination…
Employers Face New Accommodation Requirements For Nursing Mothers
In our recent blog post, we highlighted legislation that will impact employers this year related to nursing and pregnant employees: the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (the “PUMP Act”) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (the “PWFA”). As this legislation becomes effective—with the PUMP Act taking effect on April 28, 2023…
New York State DOL Increases Upstate New York Minimum Wage, Proposes Hike in Upstate Minimum Salary for Exemption
As part of its goal of phasing in a $15 minimum wage for all employees in New York, the State began implementing annual increases in 2016 across all regions. The annual increases are published by the Commissioner of Labor on or about October 1 of each year, and are based on percentage increases determined by…
Delaware Becomes Latest State to Institute Paid Family and Medical Leave
On May 10, 2022, Delaware Governor John Carey signed into law a bill that will require private employers with ten or more employees in Delaware to provide up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave beginning in January 2026, one year after payroll tax deductions to fund the program begin on January 1,…