Employers—we want to hear directly from you! The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) wants your insight into out how we can better align worker skills to your business needs. Below is a link to the Business Workforce Survey. NYSDOL wants to better understand the needs of businesses by learning about their experiences in the economy and how they are using emerging technology, including artificial intelligence. This feedback helps NYSDOL understand current workforce needs and guides the programs, services, and policies that support New York’s economy. The Department will share survey results with leaders in education, workforce development, business associations, training providers, and more. The Business Workforce Survey will be open until January 30, 2026. You can support this effort by sharing the survey link with your employees, customers, and community partners. The more voices we hear, the better! NYSDOL Launches an Accessible Online Electronic Certified Payroll Records Database Starting January 1, 2026, contractors and subcontractors working in New York State must use the Electronic Certified Payroll Submissions system to report payrolls for public work projects and certain private construction projects receiving public funds. Payrolls must be submitted at least every 30 days for the length of the covered project. Failing to submit on time may result in penalties of up to $100 per day following a 14-day grace period. This new online tool guides contractors and subcontractors through project setup and payroll reporting, including how to upload information about the business, project, or employees. To create a new project, a contractor or subcontractor needs:
- A business employer identification number (FEIN) from the IRS
- A New York State contractor registration number, which can be found on the Certificate of Contractor Registration
- A prevailing wage case number (PRC Number) for the project
- For public improvement projects, a copy of the payment bond
To submit payroll reports, a contractor or subcontractor needs:
- Key employee details, including names, addresses, work schedules, and Social Security numbers
- Supplemental benefits documentation, unless all benefits are paid as cash wages
The first payrolls submitted through the new electronic system will not be due until January 30th, with a 14-day grace period by statute.
If you have questions or need assistance with the new system, the Bureau of Public Work & Prevailing Wage Enforcement is available to help at: labor.sm.pwask@labor.ny.gov. ICYMI: NYS Minimum Wage Increase As of January 1, 2026, New York State’s minimum wage has increased to $17.00 an hour in New York City, Westchester, and Long Island, and $16.00 an hour for the rest of the state. This is part of the state’s historic multi-year plan to raise the minimum wage through 2027, when it will be tied to inflation. This increase makes New York State's minimum wage one of the highest in the country, helping New Yorkers statewide support their families and keep pace with rising costs. If you have questions, the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) is here to help. Go to https://dol.ny.gov/minimum-wage for answers to your minimum wage questions. |
On January 1, 2026, New York initiated the next phase of lowering the overtime pay threshold for farmworkers. The new threshold will be 52 hours per week. This gradual reduction of the overtime threshold will continue to be reduced by four hours every other year until 40 hours is reached in 2032. This process was officially adopted in 2023 following Commissioner Roberta Reardon’s order that adopted the Farm Laborers Wage Board’s report and recommendations. These regulations ensure equity for farm workers while also providing farmers time to make the appropriate adjustments. Additionally, farm owners and employers may be eligible for the Farm Workforce Retention Tax Credit, which was increased to $1,200 per employee to provide near-term relief to farmers. |
January 1 marked the one-year anniversary of New York’s Paid Prenatal Leave law. This first-in-the-nation law requires private employers to provide pregnant employees with 20 hours of paid prenatal leave, ensuring that pregnant employees can take time off for medical appointments related to pregnancy without the fear of losing income. Paid Prenatal Leave is applicable to both full-time and part-time employees. Pregnancy-related health care includes physical examinations, medical procedures, monitoring, testing, and discussions with a health care provider related to the pregnancy.
- This personal leave time may be taken in hourly increments, and compensation provided must be at the employee’s regular rate of pay or the applicable minimum wage, whichever is greater.
- Employers are not required to pay an employee for unused prenatal personal leave at the time of separation from employment.
With Paid Prenatal Leave, businesses can help expectant workers take care of their health without added financial stress, showing they value employees’ well-being. Everyone should be able to get the care they need, especially when expecting. Paid Prenatal Leave is proof that New York State and its businesses are committed to the health and safety of all workers. For more information about Paid Prenatal Personal Leave, please visit: ny.gov/prenatal. |
NYSDOL invites you to join us for our Worker Protection Open Hours webinar series starting January 22, 2026. Each webinar in this series will focus on a specific topic and will address compliance with new labor laws. Webinars will feature a topic overview followed by a Q&A session with audience-submitted questions. The upcoming topic in the series will be the Wage Theft Hub. Webinar Details:
Registration: Register for the virtual Worker Protection Open Hours using the link below. Please make sure to register by Wednesday, January 21st, 2026, to receive the webinar access link.
Interpretation Information:
- Spanish interpretations will be available, and additional language support can be arranged upon request.
Upcoming Webinar Topics:
- April 2026 – Child Labor Laws: Summer Employment
- July 2026 – Farm Worker Labor Laws
- October 2026 – Safety and Health - Best Practices
All webinars will be recorded and uploaded to the NYSDOL Worker Protection Open Hours website, along with any additional FAQs. |
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