Preparing for the New Year: A Guide for New York Employers as we Enter 2026
Employers are facing a host of new obligations as a result of New York State and New York City laws that took effect in 2026. Even though it's a month employers should make sure and verify compliance with those that were recently added in 2025 and are now in effect.
Employers should remain diligent with respect to several noteworthy employment storylines in the coming year that may result in major policy changes.
Upcoming Changes in 2026
Increases to Minimum Wage and Exempt Salary Thresholds
Paid Family Leave Adjustments
Amendments to New York City's Earned Safe and Sick Time
As set forth below, employees are now entitled to three different banks of leave, which must be kept - and tracked - separately:
Type of Leave
Hours Available
Paid safe and sick leave
Paid prenatal leave
Unpaid safe and sick leave
Discriminatory Impact Discrimination
State Ban on Using Credit History in Employment Decisions
Ban on Employment Training Reimbursements
New York State Secure Choice Savings Program
Changes from 2025
Prenatal Leave Benefits
Retail Worker Safety Act
New Damages Limitations for Manual Workers' Claims
What's on the Horizon
Mamdani called for an increase in the city's minimum wage to $30 an hour by 2030. Whether the former assemblyman's plan will succeed will ultimately depend on what Albany decides to do, as the power to increase the minimum wage resides with the New York Legislature.
Mamdani has also pledged that his administration will ban all noncompete clauses.
Finally, Mamdani has pledged to expand staff and double funding for the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, which enforces some of the city's workplace laws.
New Pay Equity Reporting Obligations
Noncompete Bans
This document is designed for general information only. The information presented in this document should not be construed to be formal legal or tax advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client.
For further information please contact me at www.kmckernanlaw.com kevin@kmckernan.com or 718-317-5007.