The New York labor law requires every employer, no matter its size (including a family business), to adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy that meets or exceeds the minimum standards set by New York State. Every such policy must include examples of prohibited conduct, a complaint form, procedures for investigation of any complaint, information on
Over the past several years, Governor Cuomo has imposed additional requirements on employers in his annual budgets. These changes often catch some employers by surprise upon the adoption of the final budget. As the State nears approval of the budget for the 2021 fiscal year, it would be prudent for employers to remain apprised of
The New York Human Rights Law has long prohibited employers from engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment of employees. It has historically applied only to employers with four or more employees. However, as of February 8, 2020, the law applies to all employers in New York, regardless of size.
This change in the law means
In the last two years, the New York legislature has passed numerous changes to state laws about confidentiality provisions in workplace discrimination and harassment settlement agreements. These laws are an outgrowth of the #metoo and #timesup movements, which have shone a spotlight on victims of sexual harassment who are gagged from speaking about what they