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New York Employment Law Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for New York on
Q: Harassment and defamation from my job and they fired me today and I notified human resources department today as well

I need help

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Aug 15, 2023

You can find many excellent attorneys who handle defamation and employment sexual harassment / discrimination cases on the JUSTIA homepage. Keep in mind that statements made in the context of your employment, even if untruthful, are generally privileged in the eyes of the law and not deemed... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for New York on
Q: I am a service technician I work 730 am to 430 pm when I work on a vehicle I get paid. If cleaning shop or helping

Another technician I don’t get paid. Is that legal?

Christopher Marlborough
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answered on Aug 8, 2023

Ilion,

Before answering your question definitively, you would need to provide more information. You should talk to a plaintiffs' employment lawyer. Many attorneys provide free consultations concerning wage issues.

Generally, if you are a non-exempt employee (which is probably...
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Tax Law for New York on
Q: What are my options if my employer switched me from a payroll employee to a 1099 but I still do the same work

I started working for this place half a year ago and I was being paid while on a payroll but then my payments Started coming in late and then my employer talked to me and want discussed on switching me to a 1099 and even thought I am 30 I have no clue into what all this means so I agreed but now... View More

Christopher Marlborough
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answered on Jul 31, 2023

Employers often misclassify workers as independent contractors in order to avoid compliance with labor laws, including minimum wage, and overtime laws. It is much cheaper for employers to classify their employees as independent contractors. When your employer changes your status from employee to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Business Law and Employment Law for New York on
Q: Does my daughter, age 16, need working papers to work in our family business part time? She has graduated high school
Alex B. Pia
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answered on Jun 25, 2023

In New York State (there may be additional requirements for NYC), if you are aged 14-17 you will need an employment certificate, also called working papers, in order to hold a job in New York State.

This rule covers:

High school graduates

Minors who work for their parents...
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2 Answers | Asked in Business Law and Employment Law for New York on
Q: Does my daughter, age 16, need working papers to work in our family business part time? She has graduated high school
Samuil Buschkin
Samuil Buschkin
answered on Jun 25, 2023

In New York, a 16-year-old can work in a family business under certain conditions. Generally, minors who are 14 or 15 years old are allowed to work in a family business as long as the work is not hazardous and they have appropriate work permits. However, for 16-year-olds, there are usually no... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Sexual Harassment and Employment Law for New York on
Q: I was sexually harassed by a security guard at my previous job. I reported it to my manager and nothing was done

i stopped coming to work out of fear and was fired. Could I sue for sexual harassment?

Michael Diederich Jr.
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answered on Jun 5, 2023

Legal remedies depend upon where you live. Federal law applies nationally, and includes Title VII protection against sexual harassment and gender discrimination. States and localities can enact laws that protect against sexual harassment. Different time requirements, and potential administrative... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for New York on
Q: What is grounds for suing for a hostile work environment or work place bullying?

I have a new supervisor who just started. I've been in the department longer than her. She's giving me unrealistic timelines to complete tasks, she's rude , she's and always undermining my work. She's always mentioning my age and thinks I'm too young for the position... View More

Michael Diederich Jr.
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answered on Jun 5, 2023

The ability to sue depends upon where you live. Federal law applies nationally but states and localities also enact laws protective of workers.

I recommend that you consult with an experienced employment lawyer, who can ask you relevant questions, for example, whether you are male and...
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for New York on
Q: Is it illegal that my employer is purposely scheduling me 6 hour shifts on certain days so she doesn’t haveto givebreaks

I’m 19 and I work at a Byrne Dairy in NYS as a sales associate, on the 27th of may I was scheduled an 8am to 2pm shift, which is a 6 hour shift, so around the middle of my shift I asked my employer when I would be receiving my break, in return she told me I don’t get one because I’m only... View More

Christopher Marlborough
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answered on May 30, 2023

It is unfortunate that your employer will not voluntarily honor your request. Because you do not work more than six hours in a shift, your employer can require you to work the shift without a meal break.

Here is NY State DOL statement on the issue.

"Employers in New York...
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Military Law for New York on
Q: There isn't a water fountain or a water receptacle available where I work. There is only the bathroom faucet.

I am a resident of NY State and work on a military base. Is it legal to have only a bathroom faucet available? There is not a kitchen in this facility to access drinking water.

Peter J. Weinman
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answered on May 12, 2023

OSHA's sanitation standard, 29 CFR 1910.141, requires the provision of drinking water at workplaces. They do not specifically mandate the form in which that water is provided (they do not specifically require a water fountain). As long as the water provided is potable and sanitary, the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law, Immigration Law and Construction Law for New York on
Q: Waivering of tests for experienced foreign engineers.

I am a civil engineer with 23 years of experience outside USA . Certificates accredited by WES.

I am here on a valid tourist visa . Can I apply for waivering of tests and get a work permit inside USA ?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 16, 2023

As an experienced civil engineer with 23 years of experience outside the USA, you may be eligible for certain waivers or exemptions from tests or requirements when applying for a work permit in the United States. However, it is important to note that the specific rules and regulations surrounding... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Employment Law for New York on
Q: I was an Art teacher and added names to my attendance list of people that wasn't taking the classes.

I was an Art teacher in a senior center, which made me chase for students, so in my frustration I added names to my attendance list of people that wasn't taking the classes, that's it. They got angry and fired me, but this people are so crazy that I fear that they can charge me with... View More

Peter J. Weinman
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answered on Apr 4, 2023

I'm not sure I understand your question or what it is you are being accused of having done. You made a list of people that were not attending? Or did you add to an attendance list the names of people who did not attend to make it look like they did attend? Or are you being accused of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Employment Law, Personal Injury and Products Liability for New York on
Q: The IEEE has an intense engineering and technology standards making organization and processes to be followed.

To what extent should licensed Professional Engineers and Certified Technologists serve in Responsible Charge of standards development to protect the public?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 22, 2023

Those standards are there to protect the public. Professional Engineers are usually well qualified to develop standards due to their experience in real world settings. At the same time, there are also other highly qualified technical professionals who are well suited to develop standards, without... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Libel & Slander, Criminal Law and Employment Law for New York on
Q: I was terminated and given a severance package. two of my former direct reports have gone to social media to harass me

What can I do regarding this?

Daniel Michael Luisi
Daniel Michael Luisi
answered on Mar 17, 2023

If you have a properly worded severance agreement you might have a case, even if the disparaging information is true. Non disparagement clauses can cover even true statements. It all depends on the wording of the severance agreement and the facts surrounding the disparaging statements on social... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Libel & Slander, Criminal Law and Employment Law for New York on
Q: I was terminated and given a severance package. two of my former direct reports have gone to social media to harass me

What can I do regarding this?

Daniel A. Johnston
Daniel A. Johnston
answered on Mar 11, 2023

Depends on the contents of the severance agreement, what was specifically said in the social media comments and who they were shared with, and whether what they said was opinion or false facts. There could be a defamation claim here; depending on severance agreement, maybe breach of contract as... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for New York on
Q: Can one be fired for missing a lot of work due to a documented medical issue?

My friend started a Job about 7 months ago and has missed a lot of time due to documented medical issues. He has been medically cleared to return to work but is having post op complications and is afraid he will be fired if he misses any more work.

Is it legal for an employer to fire... View More

Jimmy M. Santos
Jimmy M. Santos
answered on Mar 10, 2023

Your friend needs to consult with an employment and labor law practitioner. It is possible that he might be protected if his documented medical issues qualify as a "disability" under the American With Disabilities Act, the NYS Human Rights Law and/or the NYC Human Rights Law (if his... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Employment Discrimination for New York on
Q: I was denied employment by a temp agency based on my criminal history.

I was denied employment based on my criminal history by a temp agency. I was interviewed by the temp agencies client company and was told that I had gotten the job. The temp agency then screened me doing a drug test and background check. I disclosed on my background check my felony conviction that... View More

Jimmy M. Santos
Jimmy M. Santos
answered on Mar 10, 2023

In New York, discrimination based on a past criminal conviction could be unlawful depending on several conditions. Under the NYS Human Rights Law and NY Corrections Law, the prospective employer must conduct a multi-factor analysis to determine whether it can decline to hire you, such as the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for New York on
Q: My employer hired me and several others without licenses to work in a salon, she also never paid me hourly

One person had hourly and my boss took it away. I got just 50% the hairstyle not including the hair, accessories, or products. I also ran the food market in the back which they said was illegal. And they never paid overtime. I also had to work open to close everyday because it was just me. I also... View More

Brian Greben
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Brian Greben
answered on Feb 13, 2023

If you worked at this person's salon you were owed at least minimum wage, with "time and a half" for overtime for all hours worked after having already worked 40 hours per week. And if they didn't pay you, you're probably also owed liquidated damages equal to the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Employment Discrimination for New York on
Q: Is it okay to have a dress code for men but not women in an office enviornment?

I work in a weld shop, but the front office, so I don't weld. The entire male staff has the same dress code, and the women in the weld shop area have the same dress code, but the women in the front office have no such dress code. Is this an enforceable thing?

Daniel Michael Luisi
Daniel Michael Luisi
answered on Feb 7, 2023

Whether this is legally permissible, in theory, is one thing. Whether it makes sense for you to make a big issue out of it is another matter, entirely. You need a cost benefit analysis of the problems you will create for yourself at work, versus the value and enforceability of the alleged harm you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Intellectual Property and Copyright for New York on
Q: I work at a cookie company and it is not my job to create cookie inventions but I made one on a slow day and they stole

Selling my cookie I invented in stores without paying me. They also didn’t let me name it and are asking customers online to compete in naming the cookie and winner gets creator rights on the cookie. I was basically thrown to the side after I made them a delicious cookie they liked and they... View More

Daniel Michael Luisi
Daniel Michael Luisi
answered on Jan 2, 2023

By itself, a recipe is not protected by copyright law because it is only a list of ingredients. See U.S. Copyright Office, Circular 33, Works Not Protected By Copyright.

However, a recipe embedded in detailed instructions on how to combine the ingredients, especially when written in your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Small Claims for New York on
Q: What is the difference between filing a small claims with a county court in NYC vs a complaint form with the NYS DOL?
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Dec 26, 2022

This is something that an employment law attorney should advise on, but your question remains open for three weeks. Small Claims Court is a court of limited jurisdiction, in terms of money caps and the scope of matters handled. It is often for straightforward disputes involving money damages up to... View More

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