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Introduction to New York Labor Laws
New York labor laws define rules surrounding employment. If you have specific questions, speak with New York labor lawyers to help you understand your situation.
New York Break Laws
New York break laws exceed the federal minimum.
Breaks During Day
Employees should receive an unpaid, 30-minute break for shifts between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. or lasting longer than six hours. Breaks must be taken midway.
Hours Allowed to Work in a Day
Employers may ask non-exempt employees to work shifts for up to 12 hours while scheduling enough time for unpaid breaks. Salaried employees may work longer.
Days Worked Without Day Off
Employees must receive a 24-hour break between shifts at least once a week.
Here is more information on New York break laws.
New York Wage and Hour Laws
New York exceeds federal minimums when it comes to wage and hour laws.
Minimum Wage
New York’s minimum wage is $12.50.
Here is a chart that outlines New York’s minimum wage changes.
Overtime Pay
Employers must pay overtime if workweeks exceed 40-hours. Overtime pay is at a rate of one-and-a-half times the regular rate.
Unpaid Wages
Employees must be paid for hours worked. They can claim liquidated damages at a rate of 100% of unpaid wages.
Hours in Day
New York doesn’t impose overtime pay at the daily level. Employers must offer a 4-hour minimum shift.
Here are some FAQs on New York Wages and Hour laws.
New York Child Labor Laws
Children under 14 aren’t permitted to work, with exceptions. Shift, occupation, and hourly limits exist on their employment.
At-Will Employment
New York follows an “at-will” employment system. Employees can resign or face termination without cause.
Here is an article on At-Will Employment.
New York Leave Laws
New York leave laws exceed the federal minimum requirements.
Annual Leave
New York employers don’t have to provide employees with paid or unpaid annual leave.
Bereavement Leave
New York statutes don’t require employers to provide bereavement leave benefits.
Holidays
New York doesn’t require employers to provide paid or unpaid holiday benefits.
Sick Leave
Employers must offer sick leave according to the company’s size. However, employees should receive between 40 and 56 hours of leave every 12 months.
Paid Time Off
Employers can offer PTO as part of a benefits package. If they don’t provide PTO, then sick leave laws apply.
New York Specific Labor Laws
New York specific labor laws include state employee rights and Labor Law 240, also known as the “scaffolding law.” For legal advice about these or any other employment laws, speak with New York employment lawyers.
Meet some of our Employment Lawyers
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With over ten years of intellectual property experience, I’m happy to work on your contractual matter. I am very diligent and enjoy meeting tight deadlines. Drafting memoranda, business transactional documents, termination notices, cease and desist letters, licenses and letter agreements are all in my wheelhouse! Working in a variety of fields, from construction to pharmaceutical, I enjoy resolving any disputes that come across my desk.
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Thomas G.
After graduating law school in 2015, I practiced for a few years in LA, then becoming a contractor for large litigation projects. Now working from home in Kansas, I can offer LA service at Midwest prices.
July 17, 2023
Tanu C.
Ms. Tanu Chaturvedi Esq. brings vast experience: experience as Corporate Counsel at a multi-million dollar international corporation, experience as a legal & business leader in the legal department at the world's leading mission capability integrator in the nation's capital that has been named a Top 100 Employer Forbes by state & Top 25 Defense Contractor in the world & named Top 7 in the Washington Technology Top 100 2022 & one of the largest defense contractors in the marketplace & has also been named as Top Managed Company by The Wallstreet Journal & included in the Inc. 500, experience as the sole Attorney at a national company that was recognized in 2017 as a top employer in the capital by "The Washington Post" & has also been listed on the Inc. 5000 more than once as one of the fastest growing companies in the nation, & in 2019, & named as a Finalist for the DC Moxie award: for businesses that demonstrate significant boldness & innovation in business strategy, experience working at one of the world's largest insurance brokerage firms, one of the largest law firms in the capital, a boutique start-up that specializes in investigations, security, & risk, the world’s largest professional service firm (largest of the “big 4” companies) in conjunction with the nation’s executive law enforcement agency, experience working at a corporation with global reach that was lead by a former cabinet member of the Clinton administration, experience working at a Fortune 500 in one of the world's largest insurance markets, at an internationally recognized boutique law firm, experience as the only female legal professional in the felony division of a criminal department in the nation's most dangerous jurisdiction as an undergrad, & experience working in the offices of public officials. She is also a graduate from two different internationally recognized institutions that have a record of turning out graduates with the skill to lead in their industries & distinguished law school graduate from an ABA accredited law school that received recognition for academic & leadership achievement. She is an invited contributor to legal blogs, and she enjoys advocating for increased literacy. Notably, she also supports advocacy for the performing arts as a former graduate of a magnet school for the performing arts. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to her with any questions, and she looks forward to hearing from your team.
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Dilini L.
I am an attorney licensed in California with particular experience in local policy work, workplace justice, and environmental law. I have authored or co-authored over 30 amicus briefs (including one for which I received an Amicus Service Award from the International Municipal Lawyers Association), have extensive experience researching state law across the country and across issue areas, and pride myself in clearly and concisely distilling complex and/or technical legal concepts for lawyers and non-lawyers alike.
July 19, 2023
Courtney A.
Hello! I am a transactional attorney enthusiastic about helping entrepreneurs launch and protect their businesses. Let me know how I can support you with drafting and negotiating contracts, setting up your LLC, copyrighting creative content, or trademarking your brand. I am experienced with drafting and negotiating business contracts, including service/vendor agreements, NDAs, marketing agreements, licensing agreements, terms & conditions, terms of use, and many more! I have helped companies develop strong template agreements and strategies for contract management. My goal is to deliver a simple, stress-free client experience!
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Rudy C.
As a multilingual attorney, Rudy Cohen-Zardi holds multiple degrees from several institutions worldwide. He has gained experience in leading firms, including Eversheds Sutherland, LLP and Bank of China (NY). He is licensed to practice in New York. His practice focuses on bankruptcy, corporate, and contracts law.
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