What Is the 7 Minute Clock Rule for Employees?
The "7-minute rule" refers to a payroll time-rounding practice that allows employers to round employee clock-in and clock-out times under limited circumstances. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a law that automatically permits employers to disregard several minutes of work each day. In New York City, employers must still pay employees...
Paid Prenatal Leave in NYC and How to Use It
Employees in New York are now entitled to paid prenatal leave for certain pregnancy-related healthcare appointments and medical care. Effective January 1, 2025, New York became the first state to require employers to provide paid prenatal leave as a separate employment benefit. Understanding how this leave works, who qualifies, and how...
Can I Be Punished for Using Sick Time in NYC?
In most cases, no. Employers generally cannot discipline, fire, or otherwise retaliate against employees for lawfully using protected sick leave under New York City or New York law. While employers may enforce reasonable attendance policies, they cannot punish employees for exercising their legal right to earned sick leave. If disciplinary action...
Can My Job Demand a Doctor’s Note for Sick Leave?
Yes, in some situations an employer may require a doctor's note for sick leave, but New York City law limits when and how employers can request medical documentation. Whether an employer can ask for a doctor's note depends on how long you have been absent, the employer's leave policies, and the...
What Evidence Do I Need to Prove Wage Theft?
Wage theft claims are often proven through payroll records, schedules, communications, and other documents showing the hours worked and wages paid. In New York City, employees may recover unpaid wages, overtime, tips, or other compensation if they can show that an employer failed to follow wage laws. Even when employers keep incomplete...
Key Aspects of NYC Wage and Hour Disputes
NYC wage-and-hour disputes often involve unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, tip issues, or employee misclassification. New York City workers are protected by federal, state, and local laws that regulate how employees are paid, when wages must be provided, and what compensation employers may lawfully withhold. An experienced wage-and-hour lawyer can help...
I’m Paid Salary — Why Am I Not Getting Overtime?
Being paid a salary does not automatically mean you are exempt from overtime pay. In New York City, many salaried employees are still legally entitled to overtime under federal and state law. Whether overtime is owed depends on both your salary level and the actual duties you perform — not simply...
How to Calculate “Spread of Hours” Pay in New York City
Spread-of-hours pay is additional compensation required under New York law when an employee’s workday exceeds 10 hours. If your workday stretches more than ten hours from start to finish, you may be entitled to an extra hour of pay at the minimum wage rate, regardless of how many hours you actually...
What Happens If I Report Wage Theft at Work in NYC?
Reporting wage theft in New York City can trigger an investigation, protect your right to unpaid wages, and potentially lead to compensation for lost earnings. While many employees worry about consequences, the law provides strong protections against retaliation when you come forward.
Key TakeawaysCan My Employer Fire Me for Calling Out Sick in NYC?
In New York City, your employer generally cannot fire you for taking protected sick leave. If you use sick time under the law and follow your employer’s policies, termination or discipline for calling out sick may be illegal retaliation.
What Sick Leave Laws Apply in NYC?