You know the saying about March: in like a lion, out like a lamb, and spilling with labor law news. At least, that’s the case this month, following recent decisions and budget proposals that have swept over New York state in the first week alone. On March 1, our firm issued a Legal Alert to share the New York State Department of Labor’s decision not to implement new employee scheduling rules, also known as call-in pay regulations, that would have required employers to pay additional wages to employees who call in for their work schedule, or work “on call.” In a statement, the DOL noted the proposal was “viewed as a one-size-fits-all approach that was not appropriate for every industry.” And on Monday, we shared the news that Governor Andrew Cuomo has suggested broadening the definition of harassment and easing the standard of proof in harassment cases under the New York State Human Rights Law.

The shifting landscapes of New York state discrimination and harassment law, and New York state wage and hour compliance, are critical for municipalities and school districts to understand.