New York City (NYC) Mayor Bill de Blasio has signed bill, Intro. 743-A to establish an Office of Labor Standards. The office will enforce the City’s paid sick leave and transit benefits laws. This comes as a result of pending rules that will help clarify provisions in the City’s paid sick leave law. The goal is to focus on the workplace and help employees and employers know and understand labor laws. Employers who violate any NYC labor standards will be held accountable.
The office, which is scheduled to be established this spring, will also be responsible for making recommendations for worker education, safety and protection, creating public education campaigns regarding worker rights, and collecting and analyzing labor statistics. Mayor de Blasio will soon appoint the Director who will conduct investigations, serve subpoenas, and impose civil penalties on businesses that violate the City’s labor standards. For more information, make sure to visit New York City’s official website.