Wage Theft Protection Act Signed Into Law In New York

We wanted to update you on the “wage theft” reform bill signed by Governor Cuomo on Sunday that should provide all private sector employers in New York some welcomed relief.

This reform bill passed the legislature with broad, bipartisan support in June. It repeals the Labor Law mandate that, each January, employers notify and receive written acknowledgement from all in-state employees about their rate of pay, allowances, pay day and other information – a notice that largely replicates information that is also required to be on each and every pay stub issued during the prior year.

This reform bill also included amendments intended to improve compliance with wage laws and enhance enforcement in cases of wage theft. As passed, the legislation would take effect 60 days after being signed by the governor. However, the Department of Labor has made clear that it will not require annual notices in 2015, citing an agreement with the legislature to move up the bill’s effective date.

To read a memo by the Business Council of New York State summarizing the Wage Theft Protection Act being signed into law in New York, please click here.

If you have any questions, please contact us.