Client Alert
Recent Amendments To New York Labor and Employment Law
August 19, 2009
Glenn S. Grindlinger and Alexander W. Wood
Despite the gridlock that has strangled Albany, this past legislative term, the New York Legislature passed, and the Governor signed, a number of new laws that will impact all New York employers.
Workplace Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence
On July 7, 2009, Governor David A. Patterson signed legislation amending the New York State Human Rights Law to protect victims of domestic violence. The amendment takes immediate effect.
The New York State Human Rights Law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or prospective employees on the basis of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or marital status. With the passage of this amendment, New York has now extended such protections to victims of domestic violence.