Assemblywoman Rozic, Senator Kavanagh Announce New Law to Ease Work Schedules for State Employees

NEW YORK – Today Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) and State Senator Brian Kavanagh (D, WF-Manhattan & Brooklyn) announced that legislation (A8929/S7296) they sponsor to compile information from state agencies on the feasibility of flexible working arrangements has been signed into law by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. The bill is a chapter amendment for legislation signed into law late last year that directs the New York State Department of Civil Service to perform regular analyses on current programs within state agencies that allow for alternative work schedules and flexible hours.

“As the workplace evolves, it is important that we consider flexible options that benefit both employees and employers,” said Rozic. “I am proud to have worked with Senator Kavanagh on legislation that would make work-life balance more of a reality for many New Yorkers and thank Governor Cuomo for his support on this issue.”

“From Brooklyn to Buffalo, New Yorkers are living and working in a 21st Century economy, but too many of our workplace policies are stuck back in the ‘Mad Men’ era. Sadly, that’s especially true for the dedicated men and women who keep our state government running,” Kavanagh said. “This bill is a solid step toward workplace flexibility — and a better work-life balance — for state employees. I’m glad I was able to sponsor this legislation with Assemblymember Rozic and build upon the work of my predecessor in the Senate, Daniel Squadron. I thank the Governor for signing this bill as well as the companion bill on this subject last year, and I look forward to working to make further progress when the Civil Service Commission publishes its first report this September.”

The Rozic/Kavanagh bill amends current law to require the Civil Service Commission to issue a report to the Governor and State Legislature by September 1, 2018 and every three years after detailing current practices that allow for flexible work arrangements. The analysis would provide a snapshot of the current state of alternative work schedules within state agencies.

Flexible work schedules increase work-life balance, provide personal and family-related flexibility, and may even help reduce rush-hour commuting congestion. California, Iowa, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island and South Carolina all direct state agencies to allow “flextime” schedules for their workers, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. This law also requires the New York State Office of Information Technology Services (NYSOITS) to assist with the compilation of data and analysis as needed.

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