Empire State Today

Small businesses often face challenges in keeping up with labor law compliance, particularly when they lack dedicated legal or human resources departments. To address this issue, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has teamed up with Littler Law to offer a free educational event aimed at helping small business owners navigate updated labor policies for 2025.

The event will cover recent updates that impact small business owners and provide practical advice for operating in New York State's complex regulatory environment. Key topics include the minimum wage increase, paid prenatal leave, the Retail Workers Safety Act, and new lactation requirements under both New York State and federal law.

Participants will also learn about the Clean Slate Act, public work contractor registration requirements, changes to city human rights laws effective May 11, 2024, considerations for height and weight discrimination in employment and housing, and the expiration of COVID paid sick leave on July 31, 2025. Additionally, there will be discussion on the expansion of the Human Rights Law statute of limitations to three years under the state constitution's Equal Rights Amendment.

Michael Paglialonga will serve as a guest speaker at the event. Known as Mike Pags, he provides guidance to employers on labor and employment law issues. With extensive experience in New York Labor Law and other relevant regulations, Paglialonga is well-equipped to help employers understand these complexities. Before joining Littler Law, he spent 15 years at the New York State Department of Labor where he held key positions including first deputy counsel.

Interested individuals can register for this virtual event through NFIB's website. Registrants will receive a link to join prior to the start of the event. Questions can be submitted ahead of time to Grassroots Manager Bre Mapston via email at bre.mapston@nfib.org.