New York state labor law deals primarily with the relationship between employers and unions. New York labor and employment law education and training includes a broad range of issues, such as hiring and firing practices, medical leave, overtime, worker safety standards and wages.

New York labor law is prohibited from interfering with federal labor laws or guidelines produced by federal agencies. Employer/employee relations were brought to the federal level in 1935 with the National Labor Relations Act (NRLA). Employers and employees may have their relationships governed by state laws if they are not subject to the NRLA. There are three steps to learning about labor and employment laws in New York:

1. Formal education. An attorney who practices New York employment law will typically need at least a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
2. Specialization. Attorneys can choose to specialize by taking legal training that is specific to labor and employment law in New York.
3. Membership in professional organizations. There are many organizations of attorneys based on their area of specialty, such as labor and employment law.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Attend a law school that specializes in labor laws in New York

There are a variety of universities in New York that provide training in labor and employment law, such as specific coursework, a formal concentration or legal clinics.

I recommend: Cornell University Law School offers a labor law clinic for students who wish to improve their understanding of labor law in New York. New York University Law School has a center for labor and employment law.

Obtain Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit for employment lawyers in New York

New York requires attorneys to stay current on changes in employment law with CLE courses. There are a variety of education and training programs in New York that provide CLE credit in labor and employment law.

I recommend: The Association of the Bar of the City of New York provides several CLE courses in labor and employment law for New York. The National Employment Lawyers Association/New York holds two conferences each year in New York that provide CLE credit.

Learn through professional training associations on the New York labor code

Professional associations frequently offer formal training such as conferences, seminars and workshops in employment and labor law. These organizations also provide more casual meetings that allow attorneys to exchange tips on building and maintaining a practice.

I recommend: The New York State Bar Association offers many training products on employment law, such as Employment Law for the General Practitioner and Corporate Counselor. The Onondaga County Bar Association offers CLE courses on a variety of topics, including employment law.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Labor lawyers in New York should also be alert for educational opportunities that do not provide CLE credit but nevertheless provide important information on labor and employment law. A typical event of this type might consist of watching a specific legal issue being reenacted by actors followed by a legal analysis in a relaxed atmosphere.

New York labor law helps employers protect their businesses through compliance with safety standards, fair hiring practices and work environment. New York labor and employment labor law helps both employers and employees have better working relationships in a more productive environment.

New York labor and employment law makes working better for everyone. Labor law, though originally intended to improve working conditions for laborers, boosts business owner’s bottom line by increased productivity.

New York labor laws deal with job safety, employee foreman ratios, break time, lunch time and safety standards within the work environment. Updated New York labor laws meet the demand of new technology and constantly changing work requirements. Understand and comply with NY labor laws to:

1. Stay in compliance with changes to New York state labor and employment law.

2. Provide productive work environments for employees through New York employment law.

3. Protect your business from frivolous lawsuits.

4. Keep productivity high.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Display New York employment law posters in easy to read locations around your facility

Keeping employees informed of their rights and responsibilities under employment law in New York keeps them empowered. New York labor law posters provide the latest updates or changes in labor law in New York.

I recommend: GovDocs and LaborLawCenter carry up to date government recommended New York employment law posters for display around your facility.

Protect yourself and your employees by keeping up to date on New York labor laws

The only way to guard your company from frivolous lawsuits and keep employees happy is to promote a safe work environment and understand your rights as an employer. Keeping up to date on changes to current laws and how the effect your particular company is vital to a healthy work environment.

I recommend: Visit the Worker Protection page of the New York State Department of Labor for the latest information on worker's rights. Also check out the Spotlight Section of the New York State Department of Labor homepage for up to date changes and information on New York labor law.

Increase productivity by going above and beyond required state of New York work laws

New York employment law, as in any state, gives guidelines and requirements for what the state considers a safe working environment. Going above the minimum requirements to keep employees happy is a great way to increase their overall productivity.

I recommend: Visit the US Department of Labor for New York labor contact information and access to labor law resources. HRhero.com is a subscription service offering the latest updates to state by state employment law.

Find labor lawyers in New York from a New York employment laws firm

Employment law attorneys from New York employment law firms help clients understand New York labor laws. New York labor lawyers from New York employment law firms keep clients informed and in compliance with the latest changes and updates to New York employment law.

I recommend: Jason L. Abelove of Garden City and Jackson Lewis, LLP of White Plains specialize in labor and employment issues in New York.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Discuss New York state employment law changes with your union representative. If you are a non union business, be sure someone in your Human Resources department is in charge of all employment law related issues.
• •  Post New York state labor law posters anywhere employees tend to congregate or spend time on breaks. Conference areas, break rooms, lunch rooms and near time clocks are all great places to for labor law posters.