New York City Publishes Workers’ Bill of Rights

New York City’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (“DCWP”) unveiled its Workers’ Bill of Rights website on March 1, 2024.  The Workers’ Bill of Rights outlines rights and protections for employees, independent contractors, and prospective employees in New York City as dictated by federal, state, and city laws.  Specifically, the Workers’ Bill of Rights includes information regarding laws enforced by the DCWP, such as Paid Safe and Sick Leave, the Temporary Schedule Change Law, and the Fair Workweek Law, along with background on laws enforced by other federal and state agencies. Notably, the Workers’ Bill of Rights also describes how to file complaints against employers.

The following changes will go into effect starting on July 1, 2024:

• Employers must provide each current New York City employee with a copy of the Know Your Rights at Work poster and new hires must receive that poster on their first day of work
• Employers must prominently post the Know Your Rights at Work poster in a visible and accessible location for employees
• If employers use online platforms or mobile applications to communicate with employees, the poster must be made available through these channels
• The distribution and posting is required to be done in English and any other language spoken by at least 5% of employees, if translations are available

Employers that fail to comply with the posting requirements face a potential $500 penalty per violation. First-time offenders will be given a 30-day grace period to rectify any violations.