New York - Human Rights Law

Both the New York State Legislature and the New York City Council recently adopted new legislation targeting sex discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace. While the federal response to the #MeToo movement has been relatively limited, states and localities are pushing forward with a refo

The New York City Council passed a package of legislation on April 11, 2018, that will strengthen the City’s laws against harassment in the workplace. Mayor Bill de Blasio is expected to sign the legislation into law in the coming weeks.

As part of the 2018-2019 New York State Budget, the Governor and the Legislature have agreed to legislation aimed at combatting 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

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.

Starting on October 16, 2018, entities covered by the New York City Human Rights Law (HRL) will be required to engage in cooperative dialogue with individuals who may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under the HRL. Passed by the New York City Council on December 19, 2017, Int. 804-A applies

The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) on November 27, 2017, announced in a press release that the Fair Workweek Law applicable to fast food and retail employers became effective on November 26. The Law is intended to reform scheduling practices for fast food and retail workers in th

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed Intro 1313-A into law, requiring employers to provide paid time off for hours taken in connection with family offense matters, sexual offenses, stalking, and human trafficking, grouped collectively as “Safe Time.”

The New York Court of Appeals ruled that the New York City Human Rights Law (“NYCHRL”) does not permit a claim of disability discrimination based solely on a perception of untreated alcoholism. To sustain a claim, an individual must actually be a recovered (or recovering) alcoholic and no longer abu

New York City’s Earned Sick Time Act (also known as the Paid Sick Leave Law) will require employers to allow employees to use paid time off for “Safe Time” under an amendment (Int. 1313-A) passed by the New York City Council on October 17, 2017. Under the revised law (the “Earned Safe and Sick Time

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. These regulations expand on the previously issued Enforcement Guidance (New York City

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).

On May 24, 2017, the New York City Council passed five bills – collectively called the “Fair Workplace” legislative package – four of which significantly restrict the ability of fast food and retail employers to schedule their staff. On May 30, 2017, Mayor de Blasio signed these bills into law, maki

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.

Executive summary: A new law regulating the hiring and payment of freelancers in New York City took effect May 15, 2017. The “Freelance Isn’t Free” Act impacts a large range of industries that routinely rely on independent contractors, including tech, media, and third-party services companies.

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.

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 C

Earlier this month, the New York City Council approved a bill that would prohibit NYC employers from inquiring about an applicant’s salary history during all stages of the employment process. NYC employers should take a close look at the bill and revamp their hiring procedures to be compliant.

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 likelihoo

On Friday, March 3, 2017, the New York City Council’s Committee on Civil Service and Labor considered a package of six bills that could significantly affect the scheduling of fast food and other employees. These measures seek to improve working conditions related to employee scheduling. Similar laws

On July 14, 2016, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio promulgated an Executive Order that requires all large retail or food service employers operating on the premises of a “City Development Project” to sign a so-called “Labor Peace Agreement” with any union that seeks to represent their employees. U