New York City Labor Lawyers

The law firm of Cary Kane LLP has a team of New York labor lawyers who are ready to help make sure that employee rights are enforced.

Minimum Wages and Overtime

New York State's minimum wage is $7.15 per hour. There are exceptions to the minimum wage requirements. Independent contractors - people who are in business for themselves - are not considered "employees" and are not covered by the minimum wage requirements. If you think you may be an employee but your employer is paying you like an independent contractor, you may wish to consult with a New York employment attorney at Cary Kane LLP who can listen to the facts and protect your rights. Also excluded from coverage under New York's minimum wage law are Executives and administrators earning more than $536.10 per week, professionals and outside salespersons. Volunteers, learners, apprentices and students working in non-profit institutions are not covered as well.

Covered employees who work overtime must be paid at a rate that is one and one-half times their regular, "straight-time" hourly rate of pay. For non-residential employees, this overtime rate applies to all time over 40 hours in a payroll week. For residential employees ("live-in" workers), this overtime rate applies to all time over 44 hours in a payroll week.

Other New York State Labor Laws

There are many other laws covering employees in New York State. For example, if an employer has an established policy of paying for holidays, sick time or vacation -- i.e. payment for time not actually worked - that employer is legally obligated to pay you once you have qualified for the benefit in accordance with the Employer's policy. The employer is required to notify employees in writing about its policies, but oral agreements to make these payments may be enforceable.

If you think your rights under New York State labor laws are being violated, you may wish to contact a New York labor lawyer at Cary Kane LLP and schedule a consultation. The law firm is prepared to represent individual employees as well as groups of employees in the event that the employer's violation of New York wage and hour law involves many workers.