New York City Enacts Bill Requiring Notice and Posting of "Workers' Bill of Rights"

Beginning on July 1, 2024, New York City employers will be required under a newly enacted city law to distribute and post a Worker (Employee) Bill of Rights notice informing employees of their employment rights. The law aims to safeguard the rights of employees and independent contractors throughout the city.

This initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) and the New York City Commission on Human Rights, is designed to create awareness of existing labor laws and provide workers with essential information. The bill of rights outlines federal, state, and local labor laws offering protection, including the right of employees to form unions, and emphasizes that these rights extend to all, regardless of immigration status.

The DCWP and its partners are mandated to finalize and post the Workers' Bill of Rights on the City’s website by March 1, 2024. Employers, by July 1, 2024, must provide a copy to existing employees and subsequently distribute it to new hires on their first day of work. Employers must also prominently display the information at the workplace and, in some cases, on their websites and through electronic means. Additionally, employers must ensure that the Bill of Rights is provided in English and any language spoken as the primary language by at least 5% of the workforce, if published by the city in that language.

Employers failing to comply with the posting requirements risk a $500 penalty. However, the law provides a 30-day window for correcting the violation following the first complaint, underlining a commitment to supporting businesses in adapting to the new requirements.

As this initiative unfolds, employers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the upcoming requirements and take proactive steps to ensure compliance. By doing so, businesses can build a workplace culture that prioritizes the well-being and rights of every person at the workplace.