The Bottom Line Independent contractors in New York State will soon have expanded protections under the New York Labor Law. On May 20, 2024, the Freelance Isn't Free Act takes effect and imposes new requirements for written agreements with most independent contractors in the State. The Act Continue Reading
Are Your Aspirations Attainable? New York Attorney General Challenges “Net Zero” Claims
The Bottom Line 63% of Americans are influenced by a corporation’s environmental reputation when making purchasing decisions – and 48% of Americans “have either chosen one product over another or stopped purchasing a product based on the environmental record” of the product’s Continue Reading
New York Expands Scope of Negligent Supervision and Retention Claims Against Employers
The Bottom Line Prospective customers (not just existing customers) may pursue claims against New York employers arising from an employee's misconduct under the doctrine of negligent supervision and retention. But the facts must still show that the employer owed a duty to the prospective customer Continue Reading
New York State Expands Lactation Accommodations for Employees
Update The New York DOL has published the state lactation accommodations policy. The Bottom Line Effective June 7, 2023, New York employers should ensure that their lactation rooms meet the law’s new specifications and that nursing mothers receive adequate break time to pump.New York Continue Reading
New York State Department of Labor Releases Updated Model Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy and Training Guidance
The Bottom Line Updates to the NYSDOL model sexual harassment prevention policy and training materials emphasize the importance of considering diversity and recognizing the many different forms of sexual harassment in the workplace, whether in person or remote.New York employers should consult Continue Reading
New York Gets Tough on Virtual Currency
Going forward, it looks like crypto companies that make it in New York will be able to make it anywhere. All over, at the state and federal level and internationally, turmoil in the crypto industry is leading to increased scrutiny. In New York, home of the comprehensive (some would say onerous) Continue Reading
New York City’s “Guaranty Law” Remains Legal — For Now
The Bottom Line The Guaranty Law, enacted on May 26, 2020, provides strong protection to personal guarantors of commercial leases in New York City.While subject to an ongoing legal challenge, the Guaranty Law currently prevents certain commercial landlords from recouping unpaid rental arrears Continue Reading
New York Whistleblower Statute Amended to Significantly Expand Worker Protections
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed Senate Bill S4394A on October 28, 2021, significantly expanding protections under New York’s whistleblower statute, New York Labor Law Section 740. Section 740 previously prohibited New York employers from retaliating against employees who disclosed or Continue Reading
New Requirements for NYC Employers as Omicron Spreads
Update On December 15, 2021, the New York City Health Commissioner issued a Workplace Vaccination Order explaining the City’s vaccination mandate for private businesses. Additional information on the new requirements can be found on the NYC Health Department website and in FAQs. The Continue Reading
You Can Believe It’s Not Butter: NY Judges Dismiss “Butter” Class Actions
The Bottom Line Courts will look to product packaging and advertising as a whole when evaluating whether those materials can support a false advertising or deceptive trade practices claim, unless the package or advertisement includes a prominent statement or description that is unambiguously Continue Reading