New York state has some of the most robust wage and hour laws in the country. They are designed to protect workers from exploitation and ensure fair compensation. These laws cover several different employment issues, including minimum wage, overtime pay, and meal breaks.
The state’s minimum wage varies depending on the location and size of the employer. As of 2025, the minimum wage in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County is $16.50 per hour for all workers. In the rest of the state, it’s $15.50 per hour. It’s important to note that these rates are subject to annual increases, so staying informed about the current minimum wage is crucial.
New York Overtime Laws
Overtime laws in New York require employers to pay non-exempt employees 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for any hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. This applies to most hourly workers and some salaried employees, depending on their job duties and salary level.
New York Labor Laws
Labor laws in New York mandate specific meal and rest breaks for employees. Workers are entitled to a 30-minute unpaid meal break if they work a shift of more than six hours that extends over the noonday meal period (11 am to 2 pm). Night shift workers are entitled to an additional 20-minute meal break between 5 pm and 7 pm for shifts starting before 11 am and continuing past 7 pm.
Understanding these basic wage and hour laws is the first step in recognizing
when your rights might be violated. However, the complexity of these
regulations often requires the experience of wage and hour attorneys to ensure
full compliance and protection.
Our wage and hour attorneys help employees navigate the complex landscape of employment law. Our experience can be invaluable when your employer refuses to fairly compensate you.
We offer a range of services to protect your rights as an employee. This includes:
Perhaps most importantly, our wage and hour attorneys are here to serve as advocates for workers who might otherwise feel powerless against their employers. We work to level the playing field, giving employees the resources and representation needed to stand up for their rights in the workplace.
Despite the strong legal protections in place, employers still violate the rights of their workers. Being informed of these violations can help you identify when your rights are infringed upon and when it's time to seek legal assistance.
These violations include:
Some employers may try to pay less than the state-mandated minimum, particularly to vulnerable workers such as immigrants or part-time employees. It’s crucial to know the current minimum wage rate for your location and ensure that your pay meets or exceeds this amount.
It’s important to act quickly if you believe your rights have been violated. In New York, there’s a six-year statute of limitations for most wage claims, but waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence and build a strong case.
Remember, it’s illegal for employers to retaliate against workers for asserting their rights under wage and hour laws. If you face any form of retaliation after raising concerns about wage violations, document these actions as well.
A wage and hour violation occurs when an employer fails to adhere to labor laws regarding compensation, working hours, overtime pay, or other related issues. Common violations include not paying overtime or the minimum wage.
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Understanding and enforcing your rights as a worker in New York is crucial for ensuring fair compensation and treatment in the workplace. Wage and hour laws can be complex, and violations are not always obvious. That’s why it’s important to stay informed about your rights and to seek professional legal advice if you suspect your employer is not complying with the law.
The wage and hour attorneys at Seppinni Law can play a vital role in helping workers navigate these challenges. We can provide experienced legal services, represent your interests in negotiations or legal proceedings, and help you recover the wages you’ve rightfully earned. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.