What Employers and Employees Need to Know About New York State Sick Leave Law
Sick leave has become more than just a workplace benefit—it’s a critical protection for public health and worker well-being. In 2020, New York State passed a comprehensive sick leave law that applies to most private-sector employers and employees across the state.
Whether you're an employee trying to understand...
Navigating the Legal Landscape of Employee Drug Testing in NYC
You get a job offer—and then come the conditions. A required drug test. Maybe even random testing after you're hired. You wonder: is this even legal in New York City? And what if you legally use marijuana during your time off?
Employee drug testing is a complex—and often...
The Consequences of Misclassifying Employees as Independent Contractors in NYC
You work set hours, follow your supervisor’s instructions, and rely on one company for your paycheck—but you’re labeled as an independent contractor. Something doesn’t add up.
In New York City, this scenario plays out in industries ranging from construction and rideshare services to marketing, hospitality, and tech. While it...
Don’t Let Your Paycheck Get Shorted: Wage Theft Protections for NY Workers
Wage theft isn’t always apparent—but it happens every day in New York City. From construction sites to coffee shops, workers across industries find themselves underpaid, shorted on overtime, or denied their rightful tips. Sometimes it’s an honest mistake. Other times, it’s a deliberate attempt to cut costs at your expense.
The Role of Arbitration Agreements in New York Employment Disputes
You’ve just accepted a new job in New York City, and as you flip through the onboarding paperwork, there it is—an arbitration agreement. It seems routine, maybe even harmless. You sign it without thinking twice.
But what you may not realize is that this one clause could limit your...
Understanding Employee Rights During Company Mergers and Acquisitions in NYC
When a company announces a merger or acquisition, employees are often the last to know—and the first to worry. Suddenly, the job you’ve counted on feels uncertain. Will your position still exist? Will your manager change? What happens to your benefits, your seniority, and your security?
The truth...
The Impact of the Gig Economy on Employment Law in New York
Sam starts each day juggling multiple jobs—delivering food in the morning, walking dogs in the afternoon, and picking up freelance graphic design gigs in the evening. There are no benefits, no paid time off, and no HR department to call when one of the platforms suddenly slashes rates. Sam is just an...
Legal Considerations for LGBTQ+ Employees in the New York Workplace
When Jordan started a new job in Midtown, they were excited to bring their full self to work. For the first time, they felt comfortable mentioning their partner during casual conversations with colleagues. But after that, things changed—meetings were canceled without explanation, a supervisor stopped making eye contact, and Jordan was suddenly...
Understanding Employee Rights Under the New York Paid Family Leave Act
Balancing work and personal responsibilities can be challenging, especially when employees need time off to care for family members. The New York Paid Family Leave Act (PFL) provides job-protected, paid time off for eligible employees facing major life events, such as caring for a seriously ill family member, bonding with a new...
Navigating the Complexities of Freelance Worker Protections in NYC
Freelancing offers flexibility and independence, but it also comes with challenges—especially when it comes to legal protections. New York City has taken steps to safeguard freelancers' rights, primarily through the Freelance Isn’t Free Act (FIFA). This law ensures that independent contractors receive timely payment, written contracts, and protection from retaliation.