Proposed New York City Law Would Be First in Nation to Provide a Private Right of Action for Discrimination Against the Unemployed

The New York City Council recently passed a proposed law (Bill 814-A) that would prohibit employers in the city from discriminating against unemployed individuals. Although Mayor Bloomberg has promised to veto the bill, the City Council appears to have enough support to override a veto. If it passes, New York City will become the first jurisdiction in the nation to provide a private right of action against employers that discriminate against individuals based on their current or past unemployed status. The proposed law prohibits employers and employment agencies in New York City from basing any hiring or other employment-related decision on an applicant’s employment status or stating in job advertisements that the unemployed need not apply.