Effective January 26, 2022, New York amended its whistleblower laws to provide employees, former employees, and independent contractors a wider range of claims to pursue against companies. It also expanded employee protections and remedies and to lengthen the time in which a claim may be filed.
While the law took effect with no model having been issued, on February 12, 2022, the New York State Department of Labor (NYDOL) released the notice on its website, which all covered employers are advised to post immediately in accordance with the law. The amendment requires every employer to inform employees of their protections, rights and obligations under the state's whistleblower provisions by posting this notice, which must be posted conspicuously, in easily accessible and well-lighted places customarily frequented by employees and applicants for employment. If employees are working remotely, employers should consider making the poster available on an intranet site where other employment posters are located.
Lastly, New York employers should review any whistleblower policies and complaint procedures for compliance and consider training managers on the new law.