Bill > S02211

This bill establishes an essential workers' bill of rights that applies during a state disaster emergency, providing comprehensive protections for workers in critical industries such as healthcare, infrastructure, manufacturing, retail, and public services. The bill requires employers to provide essential workers with free personal protective equipment like masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer, and mandates that employers inform workers if a colleague has contracted a disease related to the emergency. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against workers who report unsafe working conditions. For certain large employers, formula retail stores, and transportation businesses, the bill additionally requires hazard payments to essential workers (with a maximum of $25,000 per year for workers earning less than $200,000, and $5,000 for higher earners) and requires employers to cover the costs of child care and health care needed by these workers during the state disaster emergency. The bill defines "essential workers" broadly to include employees in various critical sectors who are designated as essential by law, rule, regulation, or executive order, ensuring protection for workers who maintain public safety, infrastructure, and necessary services during emergencies.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2211