Starting November 19, 2017, employers, employment agencies, and labor organizations in New York City will be prohibited from discriminating against any person on the basis of his or her uniformed service. New York City Mayor de Blasio has recently signed Bill Int. No. 1259 to amend the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) adding service members and veterans as a protected class under the law. The enacted bill defines “uniformed service” as current or prior service in:
- United States army, navy, air force, maritime corps, coast guard;
- Commissioned corps of the United States public health services, army national guard or the air national guard;
- Organized militia of New York or any other state, territory or possession of the United States; and
- Any other service designated as part of the uniformed services under federal law.
The amendments to the NYCHRL also prohibit employers, employment agencies, and labor organizations from:
- Representing that any employment or position is not available when in fact it is available;
- Refusing to hire or employ or to bar or to discharge from employment such person; or
- Discriminating against such person in compensation or in terms, conditions or privileges of employment.
Furthermore, employers, labor organizations or employment agencies are prohibited from circulating any statement, advertisement or publication, or use an application, make any inquiry in connection with employment that expresses any limitation or discriminate based on uniformed service. Employers are advised to review their employment policies to ensure they comply with the new amendments.