On March 31, 2021, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the “Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act” into law. This action immediately decriminalizes many instances of adult possession and use of cannabis products, including marijuana, statewide. It will eventually lead to the legal sale of marijuana through licensed dispensaries. Among the immediate impacts, now New York … Read more
On January 20, 2021, the New York State Department of Labor issued new “guidance” regarding COVID-19 sick leave. The two-page document signed by Commissioner of Labor Roberta Reardon purports to relate to the State’s March 2020 law regarding leave for employees subject to a quarantine or isolation order due to COVID-19. However, the DOL pronouncements … Read more
The COVID-19 pandemic led many employers to reduce their workforces suddenly in 2020. Often, large layoffs occurred with little or no advance notice. Consequently, many employees asserted claims under the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act (WARN Act) and/or similar state laws. Though ultimate liability depends on many factors, a recent federal court decision involving … Read more