The New York State Legislature and New York City Commission were busy in 2019 enacting a spate of new employment laws. We take a look back at some of the significant changes that have recently been made to employers’ obligations and a look forward at those going into effect in 2020. Employers would be wise to add an employment law compliance review to their checklist of action items for the new year.
Summary of Legal Changes
Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment. New York state and City laws against discrimination and harassment have expanded to include more employers and protect more workers. Small employers should be aware that the New York State Human Rights Law will apply to them shortly. Beginning Feb. 8, 2020, all employers in the state will be subject to the law, regardless of the number of persons in their employ. Executive Law §292(5). Employers are subject to the New York City Human Rights Law if they had four or more workers at any time during the preceding 12 months, including employees, independent contractors, and family members. NYC Admin. Code §8-102. Certain non-employees such as independent contractors and freelancers are now protected against discrimination and harassment. Executive Law §296-d; NYC Admin. Code §8-107(23).
