New York Employment Laws More Favorable to Employees

by Practical Law Labor & Employment

A Practice Note that provides guidance on navigating New York's increasingly pro-employee legal environment, which often imposes greater burdens on employers than federal law. This Practice Note discusses the primary areas where New York law is more favorable to employees, highlighting key developments and their practical implications for private sector businesses. It explores topics such as expanded anti-discrimination and anti-harassment protections under the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL), enhanced whistleblower protections, and mandatory sexual harassment prevention training. This Note also covers hiring restrictions, including salary history bans and pay transparency requirements, and employee compensation and benefits like the state's minimum wage, equal pay laws, and the Paid Family Leave Benefits Law (PFL). Additionally, this Note addresses workplace safety obligations under the HERO Act, termination requirements under the New York mini-WARN Act, and litigation processes that are more favorable to employee plaintiffs, making it an essential tool for employers operating in the state. For information about additional laws and protections applicable to employees in New York City, see Practice Note, Employment Law Issues for New York City Employers.