Welcome to the redesigned website for the New York State Department of Labor.  This is just one of many changes we’ve made at DOL in recent months in an effort to better serve you, the businesses and workers of New York State.

Over the last year and a half, we have transformed the way the department does business; aggressively enforcing the state's labor laws and ensuring workers are treated fairly.  Here are some of our most recent achievements:

We learned that bathroom attendants at some county fairs were not paid wages at all, only tips; and were forced to turn half of that money over to the employers.

• We investigated the payment of wages for backstretch workers at Saratoga and found most were underpaid and sometimes working in unsafe conditions.
• We determined how extensive the practice of worker misclassification was and that there were $19 million in unreported wages.
• We blew the lid off illegal practices in NYC’s garment industry, some involving name-brand labels.
• We worked with District Attorneys statewide to expose unemployment insurance fraud.
• We increased the number of inspections conducted at amusement parks and traveling shows, and increased our educational efforts to the riding public.
• We expanded our “Labor on Wheels” program to serve upstate as well as downstate.
• We invested $26 million across the state to train workers and revitalize local economies.
• We offered tax incentives to encourage businesses to hire inner city youth.
• We initiated a $2 million internship program to help give youth an opportunity to gain meaningful work experience.
• We are administering millions of dollars in extended unemployment insurance benefits to thousands of impacted workers.

I am a lifelong labor advocate and firmly believe that it is our responsibility as public servants to stand up for the working men and woman of this great state.  We must remember that there was a time, not all that long ago, when workers didn’t have a day of rest; when there were few-to-no protections for workers related to hours worked and pay; and when safe working conditions were not a priority for anyone.  Unfortunately, today, there are still many who are victimized by employers who blatantly break the law.

In the months ahead, we will continue our efforts to protect all workers, assist the unemployed, and connect employers with workers. 

Tricia Smith

Executive Staff Bio's