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Showing posts with label a6604. Show all posts
Showing posts with label a6604. Show all posts

Thursday, September 07, 2023

Employees Protected from Political Viewpoint Discrimination by Employers

Effective 9/6/2023, employees in NYS have greatly expanded rights to freedom of speech and conscience. Employees can now avoid their employer's views on politics or religion. This is huge. 

Specifically, A6604, amends Labor Law 201-d, which prohibits employment discrimination for political activities and recreational activities. Under the law, an employee can sue for equitable relief and damages. 


Key Amendments 

Now, the law defines:

"Political matters" as "matters relating to elections for political office, political parties, legislation, regulation and the decision to join or support any political party or political, civic, community, fraternal or labor organization."


"Religious matters" as "matters relating to religious affiliation and practice and the decision to join or support any religious organization or association." 


Under the amended law, employers cannot force employees to attend meetings or listen to / view communications primarily designed to express the employer’s opinions on Religious matters or Political matters.


There is also a notification requirement where employers must post a sign in workplaces informing employees of their rights as per this section.