Bill > A03909

This bill establishes a "workplace readiness week" annually during the week including May 1st, designed to educate secondary school students about their workplace rights and labor protections. The legislation requires schools to provide comprehensive information to students, particularly those in 11th and 12th grades, covering topics such as child labor laws, wage and hour protections, worker safety, workers' compensation, paid sick leave, anti-retaliation policies, and union organizing rights. Additionally, the bill mandates that schools introduce students to state-approved apprenticeship programs, the civil service system, and basic financial literacy. For students seeking working papers, the bill requires that they receive a document explaining basic labor rights in plain language, which will be available in multiple languages. The document will be developed with input from labor organizations and should cover key workplace rights and protections. The state commissioner of education is required to send annual notices to secondary schools about workplace readiness week, providing instructional resources and materials to help teachers implement the educational program. The overall intent of the legislation is to ensure that young New Yorkers enter the workforce with a strong understanding of their rights, empowering them to protect themselves and assert their labor rights.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3909