Posts
February 23 2026
Client Alert: NYC Publishes Updated FAQs, Notice of Rights and Model Forms Regarding “Protected Time Off” – Formerly Known as Safe/Sick Time
As previously advised, the amendments to the New York City Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (ESSTA) are now in effect. The New York City Department of Consumer and Workforce Protection (DCWP) has now published updated FAQs explaining the additional protections and guidance. The DCWP has also issued a new Notice of Employee Rights and model forms for requesting and confirming legitimate use of paid safe/sick time, unpaid safe/sick time and paid prenatal leave.
Click here to read the alert.
February 23 2026
Rebecca Stark, an associate of the Firm, wrote an article for Total Food Service titled: “New Requirements for ADA Accommodations: What Hospitality Employers Need to Know.” In the article, Rebecca discusses the recent U.S. Court of Appeals ruling (Second Circuit) changes how hospitality employers must think about ADA accommodations. Under this decision, employees may be entitled to reasonable accommodations even if they can already perform their job duties without them.
Click here to read the article.
February 19 2026
Client Alert: Amendments Signed Into Law: Updates to the New York Trapped at Work Act
As previously discussed here, the New York Trapped at Work Act (the “Act”), originally enacted on December 19, 2025, prohibits certain “stay-or-pay” agreements. Shortly after the Act took effect, amendments were proposed to clarify the Act. Those amendments have been signed into law by the Governor.
Click here to read the alert.
February 19 2026
Client Alert: Expanded Sick Leave Obligations for New York City Employers Effective February 22, 2026
This is a reminder that amendments to the New York City Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (ESSTA) go into effect on February 22, 2026.
Click here to read the alert.
February 10 2026 Event
Q1 Hospitality Seminar Series: The Recipe for Success
Please join a panel of experts from HUB International, Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP, the New York State Restaurant Association and Total Food Service magazine for our next must-attend, informative hospitality industry seminar, where they will address the most frequently asked questions, issues, and concerns on timely topics impacting the industry and discuss industry predictions for the year to come.
Click here to register.
February 09 2026
Client Alert: The Expanded New Jersey Family Leave Act
New Jersey has amended the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA). The amendments go into effect on July 17, 2026. Currently, the NJFLA allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave within a 24-month period for certain qualifying reasons.
Click here to read the alert.
February 03 2026
Client Alert: Updates to the New York Trapped at Work Act
As previously discussed here, the New York Trapped at Work Act (the “Act”) was enacted on December 19, 2025, prohibiting employers from requiring employees or applicants to sign certain “stay-or-pay” agreements. Shortly after the Act went into effect, amendments were proposed to clarify application of the Act. The amendments were passed by both houses of the New York State Legislature and await the Governor’s signature, which is expected shortly.
Click here to read the alert.
February 02 2026
Client Alert: New York Moves Toward Eliminating State Income Tax on Tips
Legislation has been proposed in New York that would exempt a portion of tipped income from New York State income tax. The proposed legislation would allow eligible employees to deduct up to $25,000 in tips from their New York taxable income. If enacted, the legislation would apply to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
Click here to read the alert.