§ 605-a. Shared work program. 1. Any group of employees who may
reasonably be expected to experience an employment loss as a consequence
of a reduction in workforce or have experienced employment loss as a
consequence of a reduction in workforce may petition in writing the
employer of such group of employees to apply to participate in a shared
work program pursuant to this article for purposes of avoiding such
reduction in workforce or for purposes of re-hiring any former employee
or employees of the employer that were laid off due to a reduction in
workforce. Such employer shall, no later than seven days after such
petition has been made, respond in writing to such group of employees.
Such response shall state the decision of the employer to apply or not
to apply to participate in a shared work program, and the reason for
deciding to apply or not to apply to participate in a shared work
program, and if the employer did apply, the outcome of the application,
if available.

2. No employer or their agent, or person acting as or on behalf of a
hiring entity, or the officer or agent of any corporation, partnership,
or limited liability company, shall discriminate, retaliate against, or
take adverse action against any employee for exercising the rights
afforded to them under this section.