What is Employment Law?

Introduction

Employment law refers to the set of legal rules that guide the relationships between employers and workers. It affects nearly every aspect of the workplace—from how people are hired and paid to what rights they have while on the job.

It’s important because it helps maintain fairness and safety in the workplace. These laws also help both employees and business owners understand their duties and protections under the law.

In 2025, New York introduced important updates to its employment laws, making it even more critical for everyone to stay informed.

Understanding Employment Law

Employment law includes local, state, and federal regulations that govern the workplace. These rules are designed to protect the interests of workers while also ensuring businesses operate within legal guidelines.

Key topics include:

• Hiring and Termination: Rules about how workers are brought on or let go.
• Pay and Hours: Guidelines for minimum wage, overtime, and fair compensation.
• Workplace Safety: Laws that ensure working environments are secure and free from hazards.
• Anti-Discrimination: Protections from unfair treatment based on race, gender, or other personal characteristics.
• Employee Benefits: Laws about leave, healthcare, and retirement plans.
• Union Rights: Employees’ right to form and join unions.

Types of Employment Relationships

In most cases, New York follows an “at-will” employment model. This means either the worker or the employer can end the job relationship at any time, for almost any reason, unless a contract or law says otherwise.

However, some workers are hired through contracts or are part of unions that provide more job protection. Also, employers must correctly label a worker as either an employee or an independent contractor. This distinction affects the benefits and protections the worker receives.

Laws Around Wages and Hours

Federal and state laws set the minimum wage, but New York’s rates are usually higher. Workers may also be eligible for overtime if they work more than 40 hours in a week—unless their job is classified as exempt.

In 2025, the minimum wage increased in many areas:

• $16.50 per hour in NYC, Long Island, and Westchester
• $15.50 per hour in other regions of New York

Additionally, to be considered exempt from overtime, a worker must earn at least:

• $1,237.50 per week in high-cost areas
• $1,161.65 per week elsewhere in the state

New York also requires employers to provide written notices about pay and detailed wage statements. These laws help prevent wage theft and ensure fair payment.

Time Off and Worker Benefits

Workers may qualify for time off for illness, family needs, or personal reasons. While vacation leave isn’t required by law, paid sick leave is mandatory in some areas like New York City.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for eligible workers.

Recent updates in 2025 include:

• 20 hours of paid prenatal leave for all New York workers
• End of special COVID-related leave protections after July 31, 2025
• Broader access to workers’ compensation for stress-related injuries caused by extreme job demands

Anti-Discrimination Rules

Laws protect workers from being treated unfairly due to characteristics such as:

• Race
• Gender or sexual orientation
• Age
• Disability
• Religion
• National origin
• Pregnancy
• Gender identity
• Criminal history

Examples of illegal discrimination include refusing to hire someone based on their identity or firing a worker for becoming pregnant.

In 2025, New York expanded these protections further with a constitutional amendment that strengthens rights related to pregnancy, reproductive health, and gender identity.

The Clean Slate Act also went into effect, helping individuals with past convictions get fair job opportunities by limiting what can be shown in background checks.

Protecting Whistleblowers

A whistleblower is someone who reports illegal or unsafe behavior at work. New York laws protect such individuals from being punished for speaking up. These protections apply whether they report internally or to a government agency.

Under NY state labor laws (Sections 215, 740, and 741), workers are protected when they:

• Report labor violations
• Share safety or health concerns

Federal laws also offer protections, though the process and requirements can differ.

Workplace Safety Guidelines

All employees have a right to a safe and secure work environment. Employers must comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and state rules.

A major change in 2025 was the introduction of the Retail Worker Safety Act. This law requires businesses with ten or more retail employees to:

• Create violence prevention plans
• Train staff every year
• Install panic buttons in larger stores by 2027

Union Rights and Collective Bargaining

Workers have the legal right to join together and negotiate better wages, hours, and work conditions. This is called collective bargaining.

The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protects these rights and is enforced by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which investigates claims of unfair labor practices.

Losing a Job and Unemployment Benefits

If someone loses their job, they may qualify for unemployment benefits if:

• They worked in New York for the past 18 months
• They were laid off or let go without fault
• They are actively searching for new work

Someone may be disqualified if they quit without a valid reason or were fired for misconduct. Applications are submitted to the New York State Department of Labor.

Summary of 2025 Changes in New York Employment Law

• Wages: Minimum wage and overtime thresholds increased
• Leave: New prenatal leave law and end of COVID-related leave
• Safety: Retail Worker Safety Act passed
• Discrimination: New constitutional protections
• Background Checks: Clean Slate Act implemented

Final Words

Laws that govern the workplace can change often. Understanding them helps you make smart decisions, whether you’re an employee trying to protect your rights or an employer trying to follow the law.

If you’re ever unsure about how these laws apply to your situation, it’s wise to speak with a legal professional.

Conclusion

If you are dealing with a workplace issue, whether it’s wrongful termination, unpaid wages, discrimination, or harassment, it’s important to act quickly and seek professional guidance. The legal process can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

Sanders Law Group is one of the most trusted law firms in New York. With years of experience and a strong track record, their team of dedicated lawyers is committed to standing up for our rights. We understand the complexity of New York employment laws and will fight to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

Whether the employees needing support or employers seeking compliance advice, Sanders Law Group can help navigate the legal landscape with confidence.

Contact Sanders Law Group today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your employment law issue.