In 2021, New York closed an important loophole for employers, which had previously allowed illegal withholding with almost no repercussions. Under the new law, “There is no exception to liability…for the unauthorized failure to pay wages, benefits, or wage supplements.” The new law created a private right of action, allowing employees to recover as damages the entire amount of stolen wages, attorney’s fees, and liquidated damages of up to 300% of the total amount of the wages found to be due, if the violation is found to be willful.

Learn more about what you can do to recover stolen wages here.

Under federal law, employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees, or potential employees, on the basis of: age, race, color, religion, disability, national origin, sex, or gender. New York all has state and city laws emplace that protect other classes of individuals to this list, such as being a caregiver or being unemployment.

Employees in New York are entitled to a harassment-free workplace. Harassment because one’s sex, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, or transgender status is not just morally reprehensible, it’s grounds for a lawsuit in New York. Harassment isn’t always malicious, but it’s always wrong. Workplace harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome propositions, dirty jokes, teasing, and unwanted touching. These behaviors may create a hostile work environment.

Learn more about how to deal with a hostile work environment here.