SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY AND TRAINING REQUIRED BY NEW YORK STATE Pursuant to a new State statute that takes effect October 9, 2018, all employers are required to immediately establish a sexual harassment policy and provide the policy in writing to all employees in their primary language, and continue to provide employees such policy on a…
A Change to the Law Regarding Prevailing Wages for Public Work A Change to the Law Regarding Prevailing Wages for Public Work If you have been following the buzz regarding the proposed changes to existing New York State Labor Law, then you’re probably interested to know what exactly those changes are. First, a procedural note…
Let Them Eat Cake: Supreme Court Fails to Decide Underlying Civil Rights Issues in Masterpiece Let Them Eat Cake: Supreme Court Fails to Decide Underlying Civil Rights Issues in Masterpiece* On June 4, 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States (“SCOTUS”) rendered a highly-anticipated decision in the now infamous case Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd., v….
DACA Program May Resume in 90 Days A federal court in Washington D.C. ruled yesterday (4/24/18) that the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has ninety (90) days to justify its rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”) program or the recession will be vacated in full. The case can be found here:…
The #MeToo movement has successfully shone a spotlight on sexual harassment in the workplace. Condemnation in the court of public opinion has led to high-profile firings of prominent figures in politics, sports, entertainment, and other industries. While this will undoubtedly yield positive results for the country as a whole, far too many individuals still suffer…
Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace A heightened sensitivity to sexual harassment in the workplace is forcing employers to ask themselves what else they can do to prevent sexual harassment over and above having a policy in their employee handbooks. Studies have shown that more interactive and frequent workshops aimed at preventing and educating employees…
Employment Changes to Expect in 2018 In New York State we have three employment changes to prepare for in 2018 that both employees and employers should be aware of: 1) minimum wage increases starting December 31, 2017; 2) paid family leave going into effect on January 1, 2018; and 3) an anti-bullying in the workplace…
Exemptions to Minimum Wage and Overtime Law for Farms Did you know that agricultural labor is not required to be paid overtime and, in some cases, not even minimum wage? That’s right. The exemptions fall under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), which New York’s Labor Law follows (see 12 NYCRR 142-2.2). Sections 213(a)(6) and…
The Creative Industries in Orange County As seen in the December 2016/January 2017 edition of Business Watch (The Orange County Chamber of Commerce Newsletter). When you mention the arts, people naturally think of paintings, galleries, concerts and theaters. Orange County has these, but there is more. Arts are part of what economists call the Creative Industries which…
Proposed New Labor Rules Regarding Employee Scheduling
Proposed New Labor Rules Regarding Employee Scheduling New regulations are currently being considered by the New York State Department of Labor that impact employees and employers alike. The proposed regulations will require, among other things, that an employee whose shift is cancelled within 72 hours of the scheduled start time be paid for at least…