New York Ups Workers’ Compensation Benefits; Targets Wage Theft

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed three bills into law that affect workers, including one raising the minimum disability benefit under workers’ compensation, over three years.

The workers’ comp legislation increases the minimum benefits for low-wage workers who are injured and cannot work. It increases minimum benefits for permanent or temporary partial disability to $275 in 2024, $325 in 2025, and to one-fifth of the state average weekly wage in 2026.

“This legislation will help to ensure that all New Yorkers receive the benefits and protections that allow them to work with dignity,” Hochul said.

The second new law prohibits employers from disciplining employees that opt not to participate in meetings about the employer’s beliefs.

The legislation (S4982/A6604) amends the state’s labor law to protect employees’ freedom of speech and conscience related to meetings featuring their employer’s views on political and religious matters.

The law prevents employers from taking adverse actions against their employees who refuse to participate in such meetings. It goes into effect immediately.

Non-partisan communication like neutral “get out the vote” drives would still be permitted.

The third bill (S2832-A/A154-A) amends the state’s penal statute by adding wage theft to the types of activities included in the crime of larceny. Prosecutors will be able to seek stronger penalties against employers who steal wages from workers. The law took effect in early September.

According to Cornell University’s Worker Institute, wage theft in New York accounts for nearly $1 billion in lost wages each year and affects tens of thousands of workers.

“This law will arm prosecutors with a new powerful tool to go after greedy employers who steal wages, allowing them to pursue larceny charges and aggregate cases,” said Assembly member Catalina Cruz, a sponsor.

Nearby, the New Hampshire Insurance Department recently approved a workers’ compensation rate proposal that will reduce voluntary loss costs by 14%, on average, starting in January.