Scott Horton

Scott Horton has practiced labor and employment law in New York for over 20 years. He has represented approximately 500 employers, authored hundreds of articles and presentations, and wrote the book New York Management Law: The Practical Guide to Employment Law for Business Owners and Managers. Nothing on this blog constitutes legal advice. For legal advice specific to your situation, you should consult an attorney.
New York Unemployment Benefits

Beginning in October 2025, New York will substantially increase the maximum weekly unemployment benefit. It will jump from $504 to $869. The elimination of the state’s long-standing federal debt from the unemployment insurance trust fund made the move possible. With the debt finally repaid, benefit levels that had been frozen for more than a decade … Read more

Negotiating Union Contracts

Although inflation has cooled from its 2022–23 peak, it remains a defining factor at the bargaining table. Workers feel the cumulative effects of rising prices over the past several years. At the same time, employers face higher labor costs, escalating healthcare expenses, and demands for greater flexibility around where and how employees work. For employers … Read more

State Labor Relations Act

On September 5, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul signed off on a potentially monumental change in New York’s labor law. The amendment to the New York State Labor Relations Act purports to give the New York Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) broad jurisdiction over private employers. As its name suggests, PERB historically focuses on public sector … Read more