How the NYC Gender-Motivated Violence Lookback Window Works
If you experienced gender-motivated violence in New York City, a new law may give you the right to file a civil lawsuit, even if the abuse happened years or decades ago. Effective January 29, 2026, NYC Bill 1297-A amended the Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA), reopening an 18-month lookback window for survivors whose...
New York’s “Trapped at Work” Act: What Employees Need to Know
New York's Trapped at Work Act, signed December 19, 2025, prohibits employers from requiring employees to sign agreements that impose repayment obligations if they leave before a set period. These "stay-or-pay" provisions are now declared void and unenforceable under New York Labor Law. In addition, amendments signed on February 13, 2026,...
What Is a “Clopening” Shift and What Does It Mean for Workers?
A “clopening” shift happens when an employee is scheduled to close a workplace late at night and then return early the next morning to open. These back-to-back shifts often leave workers with little time to rest. In New York City, clopening practices are regulated in certain industries under the Fair Workweek Law,...
NYC Grocery Delivery Worker Protections: What Changed in 2025 and What Rights You Have Now
NYC grocery delivery workers gained stronger wage protections in 2025 under updated city rules governing app-based platforms. The Minimum Pay Rate framework that applies to restaurant delivery workers also covers grocery delivery workers operating through qualifying platforms. As of April 1, 2025, the minimum required pay rate is $21.44 per hour, excluding...
Lipsky Lowe Associate Rebecca Pattiz Featured in Law360 on Worker Misclassification Case
Commentary highlights claims of unpaid wages and overtime violations in a multi-worker lawsuit
Lipsky Lowe LLP is pleased to announce that Associate Attorney Rebecca Pattiz was recently featured in Law360, where she provided commentary on a newly filed wage and hour lawsuit involving alleged worker misclassification in...
App-Based Delivery Worker Pay in NYC: How the $21.44/hour Rule Works & What to Do If You’re Underpaid
App-based food and grocery delivery workers in New York City are entitled to a minimum pay rate set by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. As of April 1, 2025, the required minimum pay rate is $21.44 per hour, excluding tips. That rate increases to $22.13 per hour effective April...
Fair Workweek Laws in NYC: Can My Employer Add or Cancel My Shift Without My Written Consent?
In many cases, New York City employers cannot freely add, cancel, or change your shift without following specific Fair Workweek rules. NYC’s Fair Workweek Law requires certain employers, particularly in the fast food and retail industries, to provide advance notice of schedules and, in some situations, obtain written consent before making changes....
Recognizing Intersectional Discrimination in NYC Employment Law
Intersectional discrimination occurs when an employee experiences unfair treatment based on a combination of protected characteristics rather than just one. In New York City, employment law recognizes that bias often operates at the intersection of identity factors such as race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or caregiver status. Understanding how intersectional discrimination...
Workplace Rights of Undocumented Immigrants in New York City
Undocumented workers in New York City are protected by many of the same workplace laws as other employees, including laws governing wages, discrimination, and retaliation. Immigration status does not eliminate an employer’s obligation to follow labor and employment laws. NYC and New York State provide strong protections that allow undocumented workers to...
Appearance-Based Discrimination and New York’s Height & Weight Law
New York City law prohibits employment discrimination based on height and weight, making appearance-based bias unlawful in many workplace decisions. Employers may not deny jobs, promotions, or opportunities simply because an employee’s body size or physical appearance does not fit subjective preferences. This protection is separate from disability law and applies...