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The Global Insight

What is the New York Labor Law?

Author

Christopher Davis

Updated on March 21, 2026

The basic rights all workers in New York state have are the right to be paid at least the minimum wage, to be fairly compensated for overtime work, the right to sick and safe leave, to enjoy a workplace free of harassment, discrimination, and job hazards, and the right to have days of rest and scheduled work breaks.

Is paid vacation mandatory in NY?

In New York, employers are generally required to pay out an employee’s unused vacation time, unless the company has a formal, written policy that specifically forfeits your right to be paid for unused vacation.

What will NYS minimum wage be in 2021?

General Minimum Wage Rate Schedule

Location12/31/162021*
NYC – Big Employers (of 11 or more)$11.00
NYC – Small Employers (10 or less)$10.50
Long Island & Westchester$10.00$15.00
Remainder of New York State Workers$9.70*

Is paid training mandatory in NY?

When must training sessions be paid by employers? The general rule for training sessions is that if it is required, or mandatory, by the employer, then employees must be compensated. Training is considered mandatory if the work is for your job and under the employer’s authority.

Are 15 minute breaks required by law in NY?

15 minute break for 4-6 consecutive hours or a 30 minute break for more than 6 consecutive hours. If an employee works 8 or more consecutive hours, the employer must provide a 30-minute break and an additional 15 minute break for every additional 4 consecutive hours worked. Applies to retail establishments.

Can you work 7 days a week in NY?

In general, an employer in New York may require its white-collar employees to work seven days in a week. By contrast, in some blue-collar industries and occupations in New York State, a worker is entitled to enjoy 24 consecutive hours of rest in each calendar week.

Are 15 minute breaks required by law in New York?

Some states require either meal or rest breaks. New York is one of them: It requires employers to provide a meal break, but does not require rest breaks. Mercantile employees and all other employees covered by New York’s labor laws are entitled to a 30-minute break between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

How much is minimum wage in upstate New York?

Upstate New York’s minimum wage will increase this week 31 to $12.50 from $11.80. It’s part of the state’s plan to eventually reach a $15 hourly minimum wage statewide. The minimum wage will also be rising to $14 an hour in Long Island and Westchester.

What is minimum wage in Niagara Falls New York?

$11.80
Living Wage Calculation for Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY

1 ADULT2 ADULTS (BOTH WORKING)
0 Children1 Child
Living Wage$14.39$16.20
Poverty Wage$6.13$5.22
Minimum Wage$11.80$11.80

What are the wage payment laws in New York?

New York wage payment laws require employees to notify employees either in writing or by public posting of the employer’s policies on sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and holiday leave and hours. NY Labor Law, Art.

When do you have to pay an employee in New York?

New York does not have a law specifically addressing the payment of wages to an employee who quits, however, to ensure compliance with known laws, an employer should pay employee all wages due no later than the regular pay day for the pay period during which the separation from employment occurred.

What are the New York state labor laws?

According to the New York Judiciary Code 519, an employer may not penalize or discharge an employee who is summoned to serve as a juror provided he/she notifies the employer prior to the commencement of the term of service. Under the New York State labor laws, employers are not required to provide separating employees with severance pay.

What are the rules for paid sick leave in New York?

New York’s paid sick leave law requires employers with five or more employees or net income of more than $1 million to provide paid sick leave to employees and for employers with fewer than five employees and a net income of $1 million or less to provide unpaid sick leave to employees.