New York workers got a wave of new legal protections in 2026 — but most people don’t know about them yet. From expanded sick leave to a ban on employers checking your credit history, here’s what changed, what you’re entitled to, and where to get free legal help if your employer isn’t following the rules.
Who This Helps
All workers in New York City, especially low-wage workers, immigrants, tipped employees, gig workers, and anyone dealing with wage theft, discrimination, or unsafe working conditions. Also useful for small business owners who want to make sure they’re in compliance.
New Worker Protections That Took Effect in 2026
Expanded Safe and Sick Leave (Effective February 22, 2026)
The NYC Earned Safe and Sick Time Act has been expanded. Workers now get between 72 and 88 hours of leave per year depending on employer size, and the law now covers new qualifying reasons including:
- Absences related to caregiving for family members
- Attending legal proceedings for subsistence benefits or housing
- Absences caused by public disasters
- Addressing workplace violence
Your employer cannot punish, fire, or retaliate against you for using safe and sick leave. If they do, you have the right to file a complaint. Visit nyc.gov/workers for details.
Credit History Ban for Employment Decisions (Effective April 18, 2026)
Starting this week, most NYC employers cannot use your consumer credit history when making hiring, promotion, or other employment decisions. This protects workers who may have medical debt, student loans, or credit issues from being denied jobs based on their financial history. There are limited exceptions for certain financial industry positions.
Paid Prenatal Leave
NYC has codified paid prenatal leave as city law. Workers are entitled to 20 hours of paid leave specifically for healthcare appointments during pregnancy, in addition to regular sick leave. This applies regardless of how long you’ve worked for your employer.
Minimum Wage Increase to $17.00/Hour
As of January 1, 2026, the minimum wage in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County is $17.00 per hour. If you’re being paid less, your employer is breaking the law. The minimum wage for tipped food-service workers has also increased — check the NYS Department of Labor for current tipped wage rates.
Training Repayment Ban (Trapped at Work Act)
New York’s Trapped at Work Act, effective since December 23, 2025, makes it illegal for employers to require you to repay job-related training costs if you leave or are fired. If your employer has a promissory note requiring you to pay back training expenses, that agreement is likely unenforceable under this law.
Free Legal Help for Workers
The Legal Aid Society — Employment Law Unit
Provides free legal assistance to low-wage and unemployed workers dealing with wage theft, workplace discrimination, family and medical leave issues, and labor trafficking.
- Phone: 212-577-3300
- Website: legalaidnyc.org/get-help
New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) — Workers’ Rights
NYLAG represents workers facing wage theft, discrimination, retaliation, and exploitation. Their lawyers handle cases involving race, gender, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, and gender identity discrimination.
- Website: nylag.org/workers-rights
Legal Services NYC
Provides free legal advice and representation to low-income workers on issues including job loss, unpaid wages, overtime violations, and employment discrimination. They speak any language.
- Phone: 917-661-4500 (Monday–Friday, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM)
- Website: legalservicesnyc.org
Reclamo AI — Digital Wage Theft Assistant
Launched by NYLAG and Justicia Lab, Reclamo AI is a free, multilingual, mobile-first tool that helps low-wage and immigrant workers assess and document workplace violations. The tool has helped workers file over $1.5 million in wage theft claims since its launch. It’s available in multiple languages and walks you through understanding your rights, checking whether your employer has previous violations, and connecting with free legal help.
NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
File a workplace complaint directly with the city. DCWP enforces NYC labor laws including paid sick leave, fair scheduling, and freelance payment protections.
- File online: nyc.gov — File Workplace Complaint
- Call 311 and say “worker complaint”
- Website: nyc.gov/dcwp
How to Take Action
If you think your employer is violating your rights:
- Document everything. Save pay stubs, text messages, emails, and written policies. Note dates, times, and what happened.
- File a complaint with DCWP: nyc.gov — File Workplace Complaint or call 311.
- Contact the NYS Department of Labor for wage theft and minimum wage violations: dol.ny.gov or call 1-888-469-7365.
- Contact the NYS Division of Human Rights for discrimination: dhr.ny.gov or call 1-888-392-3644.
- Get free legal help: Call Legal Services NYC at 917-661-4500 or The Legal Aid Society at 212-577-3300.
Download the NYC Workers’ Bill of Rights: Available in 12 languages at nyc.gov/workers. Your employer is required to post this in your workplace.
Related from HelpNewYork: If your workplace issue is also a housing issue — like retaliation for requesting repairs — see our NYC Warranty of Habitability guide and our Security Deposit Rights guide.
This article provides general information about worker rights and legal resources. It is not legal advice. If you believe your rights have been violated, contact one of the free legal aid organizations listed above or consult with an employment attorney for advice specific to your situation.
HelpNewYork publishes Legal Help & Rights guides to make sure every New Yorker knows what they’re entitled to and where to get help. Know your rights — and make sure your employer does too.
