The BakerHostetler Labor and Employment Practice Group consistently monitors new and upcoming employment and labor laws that can significantly impact our clients operating in New York. Below is a summary of some recently implemented and notable state and city laws that take effect in 2026, a preview of what labor and employment developments to keep an eye on in the near future, and a reminder of important legal obligations that recently went into effect.
Increases to Minimum Wage and Exempt Salary Thresholds
The state minimum wage will increase again on Jan. 1, 2026. Employees in New York City, Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties) and Westchester County will see their hourly wage increase to $17, up from $16.50 in 2025. The remainder of the state’s employees will see an hourly increase from $15.50 to $16.
The state will also raise the salary thresholds for overtime exempt employees beginning on Jan. 1, 2026. Employers typically must compensate employees at 1.5 times the minimum hourly rate for hours worked over 40...
In an extraordinary message to Norway’s prime minister, President Donald Trump linked his pursuit of the self-governing Danish territory of Greenland to his failure to win the Nobel Peace Prize. H...