BILL NUMBER: S6805

SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the labor law, in relation to requiring copies of
certain documents physically posted in a workplace to be made available
to employees electronically

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

This legislation amends the labor law to require that copies of certain
documents currently required to be posted in a workplace shall be made
available to employees electronically.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 amends section 201 of the labor law, as amended by chapter 457
of the laws of 1946, to require that digital versions of certain docu-
ments that are currently required to be posted in a workplace shall be
made available through the employer's website or email. It also requires
              

employers shall provide notice that documents required for physical
posting are also available electronically. All other documents required
to be posted at a worksite under other sections of state and federal law
shall also be made electronically available in the manner described
pursuant to this section.

Section 2 establishes that this act shall take effect immediately.

 
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):

n/a

 
JUSTIFICATION:

The requirement for posting of documents at workplace locations is
designed to make sure employees have access to information regarding
their rights as employees. These documents are often lengthy, detailed
and appear in small print. These documents are generally posted on a
bulletin board or wall at an indoor work location. They are also posted
on walls or fences at outdoor work locations such as construction sites.
The ability of employees to fully access and review these documents will
be enhanced by requiring that these documents be made electronically
available by employers as specified in this legislation.

In addition, the pandemic has further highlighted the need to make these
documents available electronically. During the pandemic many employees
have been working remotely and changes in workplace location patterns
will continue to evolve even after the health crisis recedes. As such,
the requirements that certain documents be posted in a workplace will
not reach these employees. By adding a digital requirement to these
postings, employees will be able to access this much needed information
anytime and anywhere.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

This is a new bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.