Monday, December 21, 2020
The
New York City Council has passed two bills, Int. No. 1415-A and Int. No 1396-A, that, when enacted and effective, will impose significant obligations on covered New York City fast food industry employers.
These bills would expand
New York City’s Fair Workweek Law to provide “Just Cause” protection from discharge and significant reductions in hours for fast food employees, require employers to engage in seniority-based reductions and rehiring if staff reductions are due to bona fide economic reasons, and provide for a private right of action. Mayor Bill de Blasio has described the bills as a “big victory for job stability and dignity” and is expected to sign the legislation. These bills would take effect 180 days after becoming law. When enacted, this legislation potentially will pave the way for a great overhaul of the at-will employment system that has long-defined the employer-employee relationship in New York State and New