The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (the “Department”) recently provided guidance regarding the taxation of contributions made under, and benefits paid under, New York State’s new paid family leave program (“Program”). After reviewing applicable law and other guidance, and after consulting with the Internal Revenue Service regarding the appropriate tax treatment of Program contributions and benefits, the Department provided the following guidance:
Articles Discussing General Topics In New York Labor & Employment Law.
Comprehensive Analysis of New York Paid Family Leave: What Must Employers Do Now to Comply?
Are you an employer located in New York? Or might you employ even one worker in New York?
NY Continues Trend of Rebuffing Online Legal Service Providers
New York has joined a growing list of states with ethics boards limiting an attorney’s ability to participate in online legal service providers like Avvo and LegalZoom. Similar to other jurisdictions, the New York ethics board authored an opinion honing in on the so called “marketing fee” charged by Avvo for attorney use of its website. Although the opinion declines to decide a list of other potential ethical issues with the company, it concludes that the “marketing fee” is actually a referral fee in violation of Rule 7.2(a) of the New York Rules of Professional Conduct.
NYC Pay History Ban to Take Effect October 31, 2017
Executive Summary: Starting October 31, 2017, a New York City law will make it illegal for employers to “inquire” into an applicant’s salary history. The law also prohibits employers who are aware of an applicant’s salary history from relying on that history in determining his or her compensation.
New York Issues Final Paid Family Leave Law Regulations
The New York Paid Family Leave Benefits Law (“PFLBL”), passed last year and effective January 1, 2018, will provide eligible employees with a paid, job-protected leave of absence, starting at 8 weeks in 2018 and eventually reaching 12 weeks by 2021. Employees may use paid family leave to bond with a new child, to care for a family member with a serious health condition, or to assist with family obligations when a family member is called to active military service. The wage replacement benefits, with certain exceptions, will be funded through payroll deductions, cover 50% of the employee’s average weekly wage commencing in 2018, subject to a statutory cap, and reach 67% or the statutory cap by 2021.1
Final Regulations Clarifying and Expanding New York City “Ban the Box” Law Take Effect on August 5, 2017
New York City’s Fair Chance Act (FCA), which took effect October 27, 2015, imposes affirmative obligations on covered employers and employment agencies regarding when they may conduct criminal background checks on job applicants, and what process must be followed before making an adverse decision on the basis of an applicant’s criminal history. It is one of the nation’s most comprehensive “ban the box” laws restricting employers’ use of criminal history in the employment process.1 The New York City Commission on Human Rights (“the Commission”) released comprehensive interpretive Enforcement Guidance regarding the FCA on November 5, 2015. In February, 2016, the Commission issued proposed regulations, and a public hearing regarding the proposed regulations was held on March 21, 2016.2
New York Paid Family Leave Regulations Finalized
In Spring 2016 we notified you of legislation enacting a 12-week paid family leave policy in New York. The New York Paid Family Leave Act (PFL) is a series of amendments to the state Workers’ Compensation Law set to take effect on January 1, 2018. PFL allows eligible employees to take paid leave time to care for a newborn, a covered service member, or a family member who has a serious health condition.
New York State Appellate Court Finds Arbitration Agreement Requiring Employees to Bring Claims Individually Violates The National Labor Relations Act
On July 18, 2017, in Gold v. New York Life Ins. Co., New York’s Appellate Division, First Department1 issued a decision that directly contradicted the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in Sutherland v. Ernst & Young, LLP.2
Final New York Paid Family Leave Regulations Released: What Employers Need to Know
The Workers’ Compensation Board adopted the final regulations for New York’s new Paid Family Leave Benefits Law (PFL) on July 19, 2017. Final Regulations were issued previously by the Department of Financial Services on May 16, 2017.
New York State Releases Draft Compensation Reporting Documents for State Contractors
In January, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed Executive Order 162, which requires most state contractors and subcontractors to disclose employee job title and salary data, in addition to the equal employment opportunity information (such as sex, race, and ethnicity) already required.
New Rules Applicable to NYC’s Freelance Isn’t Free Act Prevents Covered Employers from Utilizing Arbitration Provisions and Class Action Waivers
New York City’s Freelance Isn’t Free Act goes into effect on July 24, 2017. Anticipated rules to “clarify” the Act, which amend Title 6 of the City’s Rules by adding a new chapter 12, have now been promulgated by the Department of Consumer Affairs.1
NYC Enacts “Fair Work Week” Laws for Retail and Fast Food Employees
Executive Summary: New York City’s new package of “Fair Work Week” laws, which go into effect on November 27, 2017, will create new and burdensome scheduling and record-keeping requirements for retailers and fast food establishments, including an obligation to pay a “schedule change premium” to fast food employees. Select highlights of the new laws are explained further below.
New NY Paid Family Leave Proposed Regulations Released
Last spring we notified you of legislation enacting a 12-week paid family leave policy in New York. With amendments set to take effect at the start of 2018, employers should examine the latest proposed regulations and plan ahead for implementation.
Contracts Now Required for NYC Employers Using Freelancers
With the Freelance Isn’t Free Act (FIFA) scheduled to go into effect May 15, New York City employers must now prepare contracts — under the threat of potentially stiff penalties for noncompliance — in order to utilize independent contractors, as many of them do for a broad range of services.
New York City Set to Ban Inquiries About Salary History
The New York City Council has approved a bill that makes it an “unlawful discriminatory practice” for employers to inquire about the salary history of a prospective employee, or to rely upon salary history unless the applicant offers the information voluntarily. The legislation is aimed at eliminating what supporters say is one of the reasons the wage gap between men and women is perpetuated. The new law will take effect 180 days after Mayor de Blasio signs it, which is expected shortly, as the Mayor has publicly expressed his approval of the legislation.