Kerri Beatty 
On December 19, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law the “Trapped at Work Act.” The law became effective immediately. The new law prohibits employers from requiring “employment promissory notes” as a condition of employment. “Employment promissory note” is defined as any instrument, agreement, or contract provision that requires a worker to pay the employer … Read more
As you may be aware, New York State Paid Family Leave provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of job protected, paid time off to bond with a new child, care for a family member with a serious health condition, or to assist loved ones when a family member is deployed abroad on active … Read more
On January 1, 2026, the minimum wage will increase to $17.00 per hour for employees located in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County, and to $16.00 per hour for employees in the remainder of New York State. Beginning on January 1, 2027, increases to the minimum wage rates will be based on inflation … Read more
New York City has amended the New York City Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (“ESSTA”) expanding its leave entitlements to employees. The amendments go into effect on February 22, 2026. The amendments include the following changes: (i) employers must grant an additional 32 hours of unpaid leave to new employees upon hire and to all employees … Read more
Recently, New York State has raised the maximum weekly unemployment insurance benefit from $504 per week to $869 per week. The increased benefit rate will be reflected in payments starting the week of October 13, 2025. The maximum benefit rate is the highest benefit amount available to unemployed New Yorkers. The amount an individual receives … Read more
Recently, the U.S. Department of Labor (“U.S. DOL”) released an opinion letter (FMLA2025-02-A) (the “Opinion Letter”) concerning how to calculate the number of hours of Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) leave available to employees who work a fixed schedule that includes mandatory overtime. The Opinion Letter clarifies that an employer seeking to calculate the … Read more