Overview
The Division of Labor Standards protects all workers, including those that are undocumented or paid off the books, and ensures employers are following Labor Laws. Our goal is to ensure that all New York workers are being paid the proper wages, do not have their right to a meal period or day of rest violated, and to uphold New York State Labor Laws.
We enforce the State Labor Laws for minimum wage, hours of work, employment of minors, payment of wages, farm labor, nursing mothers in the workplace, and more. We can issue fines and penalties, as well as investigate complaints regarding Labor Law violations.
All workers are entitled to fair wages and are protected by Labor Laws. The Division of Labor Standards is here to protect you.
As of September 2023, Wage theft is larceny under New York State Penal Law section 155. Failure to pay wages may result in referral to a local District Attorney for consideration for criminal prosecution.
A Fair Day's Pay for a Fair Day's Work
Important Topics
The Division of Labor Standards enforces the maximum and prohibited working hours as well as type of work permitted for minors. View our Child Labor Law Hub. Take our Youth Worker Pledge
Wage Theft Investigation Data Visit DOL's Wage Theft Hub
Learn more about how wage theft investigations work and view comprehensive information on wage violation cases, wages returned to workers, and penalties assessed by visiting DOL's Wage Theft Hub.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness New Legislation for NYS Public Service Workers
PSLF is a federal program that rewards and incentivizes public service work by cancelling a portion of borrowers' federal student loans. NYS's new law expands and simplifies access to this important program.
Industry Highlights & Specific Audiences
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Adult Use Cannabis in the Workplace Details on the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act
Helping workers and businesses address some of the most common situations or questions in the workplace related to adult-use cannabis and the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (“MRTA”).