Since October 2018, all employers with one employee in New York have been required to implement a sexual harassment policy and ensure employees go through an annual training. Both the policy and the training must meet certain minimum standards, and the state has developed a model policy and model training that employers may, but are not required to, use to meet their obligations under the law. We previously reported that the New York State Department of Labor (“NY DOL”) proposed revisions to the state’s model sexual harassment policy. On April 11, 2023, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the publication of the final updated versions of the model policy and model training materials.
Read MoreLast week, President Trump signed an Executive Order entitled “Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping” (the “Order”), which impacts federal agencies, federal contractors, and federal grantees. Specifically, the order prohibits federal contractors from using “any workplace training that inculcates in its employees any form of race or sex stereotyping . . . or scapegoating”.
Read MoreEmployers will recall that in 2018, New York State and New York City imposed mandatory sexual harassment training obligations on employers, with the State requiring all employees be trained by October 9, 2019. Employers are reminded that both State and City law mandate that this training be conducted yearly, and New York City expanded its training requirement earlier this year to include independent contractors who work for the employer for at least 80 hours and 90 days per year.
Read MoreEffective January 11, 2020, the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) protects independent contractors and freelancers from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the same terms as employees. In addition, independent contractors have the right to receive reasonable accommodations for needs related to disabilities, pregnancy, lactation, religious observance, and status as victims of domestic violence, sexual offenses, or stalking, absent undue hardship.
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