NYS New Laws Fight Against Workplace Harassment & Retaliation

On March 16, 2022, New York Governor Hochul signed two important laws to strengthen protections against workplace harassment and retaliation. S.5870 prohibits the release of personnel files as a retaliatory action against employees and S.812B establishes a toll-free confidential hotline for complaints of workplace sexual harassment Legislation S.812B requires the Division of Human Rights to…

Congress Ends Mandatory Arbitration of Sexual Harassment Claims

Both houses of the U.S. Congress overwhelmingly passed legislation that is now headed to President Biden’s desk to end forced arbitration of sexual assault and harassment claims. When signed, the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act of 2021 would amend the Federal Arbitration Act to essentially void and prohibit the enforcement…

What does New York State’s New Whistleblower Law Mean?

Effective January 22, 2022, New York State’s amended whistleblower law significantly expands section 740 of the New York Labor Law to provide greater protections to whistleblowers against employer retaliation. Under the recent amendments, employees include former employees and independent contractors. By including former employees, the new law protects employees against a former employer’s retaliatory actions…

Pamela Jeffrey Named Co-General Counsel of 1199SEIU

Levy Ratner is pleased to announce that the Executive Council of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East has voted that Levy Ratner Partner Pamela Jeffrey will be the new Co-General Counsel of 1199SEIU. Ms. Jeffrey will serve as Co-General Counsel with Levy Ratner Founding Partner Daniel Ratner during a period of transition. Ms. Jeffrey brings to…

Can You Get Paid Time Off for Your Child’s COVID-19 Vaccine?

On December 24, 2021, an amendment to New York City’s Earned Safe and Sick Time Act providing for paid leave for employees during their child’s COVID-19 vaccination time went into effect. The amendment, approved by the New York City Council in November 2021, requires private employers covered by the Earned Safe and Sick Time Act…