[co-aurthor: Jill Chow ]
On October 28, 2021, Governor Hochul signed legislation which expanded the scope of whistleblower protection under New York Labor Law Section 740. The new amended law expands the scope of individuals protected, the definition of protected activity, and the types of employment related actions which can constitute retaliation, the remedies and the notice requirements for employers. The amended law will go into effect on January 26, 2022.
New York Labor Law Section 740 currently provides protection from retaliation to employees who 1) disclose or threaten to disclose to a supervisor or a public body an activity, policy or practice of the employer that violates a law, rule or regulation or creates a danger to public health and safety; 2) provide information to or testify before any public body conducting an investigation, inquiry into the employer’s violation; or 3) object to or refuse to participate in the activity or policy that violate the law.
Expanded Definition Of Employees
The new amendments expand the definition of employee to include former employees and independent contractors.
Expanded Protected Activity
The amendments extend the definition of Protected Activity to employees who report or threaten to report any activity that they reasonably believe is in violation of law, rule or regulation. The amendments further clarify the definition of “law, rule or regulation” includes any state, local, and federal law, rule, and regulation, as well as...
A British science journalist-turned-attorney who initiated a lawsuit that saw a Harvard University-affiliated cancer centre pay $15 million (11 million) to settle claims of alleged data misreprese...