NYC Employers: Effective March 20, 2024, employees who believe their rights have been violated under New York City’s sick time law (the “Earned Safe and Sick Time Act” (“ESSTA”)) will be able to file a lawsuit directly in court to seek redress. Previously, the only option available to such individuals was to file an administrative complaint with the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.
Successful complainants will be able to recover compensatory damages, injunctive and declaratory relief, attorneys’ fees and costs, and other damages.
Given this development, make sure to audit your ESSTA compliance right away!