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Vol. 7, Issue 1
January 4, 2016

NY MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE

$9.00/HR Effective December 31, 2015

     The minimum wage in New York increased to $9.00 per hour on December 31, 2015.  This is the last of the scheduled minimum wage increases that began in 2014.

     Employers should remove and replace their existing Minimum Wage Information poster.  The new poster can be downloaded from the New York State Department of Labor's website at  http://www.labor.ny.gov/formsdocs/wp/LS207.pdf 
 
     The salary thresholds to qualify for the Executive or Administrative exemptions under the minimum wage rules increased to $675.00 per week.  All other minimum wage exemptions remain unchanged. 

     Employers must also update any applicable pay plans to reflect the increased minimum wage.  The New York State Department of Labor no longer requires an employer to provide annual pay notices to their employees but new notices must be provided to all new hires and to any current employees if there is a change in their pay plan.   

     For more information or if you have any questions on wage and hour matters please contact Stevan LaBonte at 516-280-8580.


ARE YOU IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE
NYS RIGHT TO KNOW LAW?

    
     
     The New York State Right-to-Know Law requires public employers to develop programs to inform employees of the potential hazards of chemicals found in the workplace.  

     Employers have four areas of responsibility:
 
  1. Notification - Employers must inform employees of their rights to information, including possible health effects and hazards, concerning all toxic substances in the workplace.  The mandatory Right to Know poster is available 
    at     www.health.ny.gov/environmental/workplace/right_to_know/docs/rtk.pdf                 
  2. Information - Employers must maintain a list of all hazardous chemicals used, stored or produced at the workplace.  This is accomplished by collecting, maintaining and making readily available all Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each hazardous chemical.  In addition, employers must ensure that all chemicals are properly labeled.                                                                                                                 
  3. Training - Employers must annually train employees in the identity, properties and safe use of toxic substances they can expect to encounter in the course of their duties.                                                                                                                                
  4. Record keeping - Employers must keep records of employees exposed to substances with enforceable exposure standards under OSHA regulations.
     Failure to comply with the NYS Right to Know law can subject the employer to substantial civil penalties and fines.  For more information on how to comply with the Right to Know law contact Stevan LaBonte at 516-280-8580.


Should you have any questions or need advice on anything related to dealership operations please do not hesitate to give me a call or send me an e-mail.  Your questions will be answered promptly!!!
Sincerely,

Stevan H. LaBonte
LaBonte Law Group, PLLC
100 Ring Road West, Suite 108
Garden City, NY 11530

516.280.8580 (Phone) 
631.794.2434 (Fax) 

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