Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, all private-sector employers in New York must provide eligible employees 20 hours of paid prenatal leave. The New York State Department of Labor released FAQs providing employers with guidance on the new law. According to the FAQs, paid prenatal leave is a separate entitlement from any other leave policies. As you
New York State Department of Labor Issues Updated Materials on Workplace Lactation Rights
The New York State Department of Labor has issued revised materials, including an updated mandatory model policy, ahead of the June 19, 2024, effective date for the transition of workplace lactation breaks from unpaid to paid in New York.
Learn more here.
New York State Budget Includes Enhanced Employer Obligations
The New York State enacted budget for fiscal year 2024 changes employers’ obligations by adding paid leave for prenatal care, converting unpaid break time for purposes of expressing breast milk into paid time, and incorporating a sunset date into the existing COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave law.
Learn more here.
New York City’s Final Rules on Safe and Sick Time Become Effective
On September 15, 2023, the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) issued a final rule (Final Rule) on the city’s Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (ESSTA).
The Final Rule provides some clarification on various compliance issues such as coverage, required notice of usage, supporting documentation that can be requested, the
New York State Expands Obligations to Accommodate Nursing Employees, Publishes Model Policy
Employers in New York State are required to comply with new obligations to accommodate nursing employees and to issue a mandatory lactation policy released by the Department of Labor beginning June 7, 2023. The expanded obligations arise from new amendments to New York State’s Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act (New York Labor Law §
As the U.S. COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Ends, Employers Ask Now What?
The U.S. COVID-19 Public Health Emergency will end on May 11, 2023, one week after the World Health Organization determined that COVID-19 is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. On that same day, the Biden-Harris Administration has announced it will end COVID-19 vaccination requirements for federal employees, federal contractors, and international air
2022 New York Roundup: State, City Legislative and Related Developments
In 2022, New York State and New York City enacted many new workplace laws, creating additional obligations for employers.
Read more here.
Election Day is Coming – A Reminder of Employer Obligations
With midterm elections upon us, employers should ensure they are aware of and in compliance with state law requirements related to employee voting rights. While not all states impose requirements on employers, some impose time off obligations and notice requirements with the possibility of criminal or civil penalties for non-compliance.
Read more here.
New York Updates COVID-19 Guidance Including Daily Health Screening Requirements
On June 8, 2021, New York State updated the NY Forward Guidance for several industries, including office-based and food services employers, with changes that many people feel are overdue.
In addition to incorporating updated mask, physical distancing, and capacity rules that have been in place since New York adopted the Centers for Disease Control and
New York State Employees Entitled to Paid Time Off for COVID-19 Vaccinations
Effective immediately, New York State employers must provide employees with up to four hours of paid time off per COVID-19 vaccination. The new law sunsets on December 31, 2022.
The new law provides that:
- All New York employees must receive a paid leave of absence for “a sufficient period of time” not to exceed four