Artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful tool for business operations, including screening and recruiting potential employees. However, AI tools may rely on inadequate data models that promote bias among specific demographics. A novel New York City law seeks to...
Employment Law For Employers
What rights do New York employees have regarding cannabis?
It has been just over a year since the state of New York legalized the use of recreational cannabis. Since then, you may have run into concerns or questions about how legalization affects workers. If you are an employee If you work in New York and legally use...
What does the pay transparency law mean for New Yorkers?
The new year has brought many new laws that directly affect New York employees and employers. The most recent is a pay transparency law. This measure could dramatically improve the gender pay gap and empower employees to make informed employment decisions. Below, we...
NYC employers: Do you use Automated Employment Decision Tools?
Employers must keep up with changes in local, state and federal employment laws. Those who do not can wind up facing costly, demanding legal battles rather than focusing on running their business. For instance, if you are an employer in New York City, you should know...
Pros and cons of arbitrating an employment dispute
More and more employers are asking employees to sign arbitration agreements as a condition of employment. Below, we explain the benefits and drawbacks of these agreements for both employers and employees. What is arbitration? Arbitration is a means of resolving legal...
Two comments add up to one hostile work environment
Cases of workplace harassment typically involve pervasive, ongoing misconduct. However, any comments, actions or threats that create a hostile work environment can be the basis for a legal claim. And the New Jersey Supreme Court just ruled that even a couple of...
What to consider before signing a noncompete agreement
What to consider before signing a noncompete agreement Noncompete agreements restrict employment opportunities for employees after they leave their job. Thus, it is crucial to think carefully before agreeing to anything without consideration and legal guidance. Before...
Sexual harassment in the workplace now happening remotely
Countless professionals have become comfortable navigating Zoom meetings. But as workers settled into the new reality of working remotely in 2020-2021, new issues and transgressions emerge. Those who acted professionally in an office's relatively formal environment...
NY employers should take note of DOL “regular rate of pay” rules
Since Jan. 15, an updated U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) regulation has been in effect clarifying for employers which job benefits and perks to include in pay for purposes of calculating overtime due to nonexempt workers (usually hourly). The “regular rate of pay” is...
Are New York employers supposed to pay employees for time in voluntary training programs?
While this sounds like a straightforward question, the answer is that it depends. This matter is actually regulated in some detail under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and its regulations – the main body of federal law governing wage-and-hour matters for...
