Posts
December 23 2025
Client Alert: New York Bans “Stay-or-Pay” Repayment Agreements
Shortly after California enacted similar legislation in October, New York enacted the New York Trapped at Work Act (the “Act”), which took effect immediately. The Act prohibits employers from requiring workers or applicants to sign certain “stay-or-pay” agreements, including training repayment provisions after December 19, 2025. The Act reflects a growing trend to restrict arrangements viewed as limiting worker mobility.
Click here to read the alert.
December 19 2025
Client Alert: Video Appearances Required for NYS Workers’ Compensation Board Hearings
The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board (the “Board”) announced that, effective February 2, 2026, all claimants and lay witnesses appearing in virtual hearings must testify by video, with their faces clearly visible on screen.
Click here to read the alert.
December 03 2025
Client Alert: California, Connecticut & New Jersey Minimum Wage Increases For 2026
With 2026 upon us, employers with employees working in California, Connecticut, New Jersey and beyond must prepare for scheduled minimum wage increases. Please read our client alert for the new minimum wage, tip credit and overtime rates.
Click here to read the alert.
December 02 2025
Client Alert: Pennsylvania Enacts CROWN Act, Confirming Protections for Natural and Religious Hairstyles in the Workplace
The Pennsylvania Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act (“CROWN ACT”) was signed into law, amending the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (“PHRA”) to clarify that discrimination based on hair texture, hair type, and hairstyles associated with race or religious creed is prohibited. The law goes into effect on January 24, 2026, and protects natural hair and styles such as braids, twists, locs, afros, and cornrows, and hair and head coverings worn for religious reasons.
Click here to read the alert.
December 01 2025
Client Alert: New York Minimum Wage Increases for 2026
With 2026 upon us, New York employers must prepare for scheduled minimum wage increases, tip credit changes, meal credit changes, and increases to the exempt salary threshold. The changes will go into effect on January 1, 2026.
Click here to read the alert.
November 20 2025
Client Alert: California Limits “Stay-or-Pay” Agreements
Beginning January 1, 2026, California will restrict employers from requiring employees to repay sign-on bonuses and will generally prohibit repayment obligations for retention bonuses. These changes limit employers’ ability to impose conditions that require bonus repayment if an employee leaves before a specified date.
Click here to read the alert.
November 14 2025
Client Alert: New Employer Obligations Under the California “Know Your Rights” Act
Effective January 1, 2026, California employers must distribute a new, standalone “Know Your Rights” Notice to all employees (separate from the Labor Code section 2610.5 notice or employee handbook) no later than February 1, 2026.
Click here to read the alert.
November 13 2025
Client Alert: Update to California Employer Requirements When Furnishing Personnel Records
Beginning January 1, 2026, California will expand the types of personnel file documents that employers must provide to current and former employees upon request. In addition to existing requirements to disclose records related to performance or grievances, employers will also need to make available any education or training records they maintain, including details such as the training provider, dates, duration, core competencies covered, and any resulting certifications. Employers must continue to furnish requested records within 30 days of a written request.
Click here to read the alert.