While amendments to New York's wage deduction and social security number protection laws become effective at the end of 2012, no new major employment laws are scheduled to become effective in the New Year. The election also failed to shed some much needed light on the New York employment law legislative scene for 2013. While both legislative chambers fell into the hands of Democrats, a recent power-sharing deal between the Senate Republican and Independent caucuses may stall the implementation of any progressive agenda. However, we do expect that both chambers will make a strong push to increase the state minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to possibly $8.50 per hour and to any future minimum wage increases to inflation. Governor Cuomo currently supports a wage hike. We also expect several legislators to reintroduce bills aimed at outlawing discrimination based on gender expression, eliminating workplace bullying, and enhancing social media privacy. Separately, the New York City Council, New York City's local governing body, has introduced bills prohibiting employees from waiving their rights under the New York City Human Rights Law unless the waivers are entered into knowingly and voluntarily, and prohibiting employers from discriminating based on pregnancy, childbirth or a related condition. The New York City Council also continues to explore the possibility of a passing a paid sick leave law.
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