Department of Labor

Our Services

The mission of the New York State Department of Labor is to protect workers, assist the unemployed, and connect job seekers to jobs.

Protect

Division of Immigrant Policies and Affairs

The Division of Immigrant Policies and Affairs helps workers from other countries use the many programs and services of the Department of Labor. The staff can help you:

• Look for a job
• Get job-training assistance
• Get outstanding wages you may be owed

We also assist migrant and seasonal farm workers as well as agricultural employers. For help call 877-466-9757.

Wage Protection

The Division of Labor Standards protects all workers, even if they are paid off the books or are not documented. We enforce the State Labor Law for:

• Minimum wage
• Hours of work
• Child labor
• Payment of wages and wage supplements
• Migrant farm labor
• Conditions in the garment industry

Public Work

The Bureau of Public Work administers the prevailing wage law. We:

• Set the rates each year
• Enforce the law

This law says workers must earn the prevailing wage rate if they are employed:

• On public construction projects, or
• At service jobs in public buildings

Safety & Health

The safety of New York's workforce is the Division of Safety & Health's number one priority. It offers safety and health information as well as assistance to employers and employees. It also issues licenses and certifications for a number of occupations.

Division of Equal Opportunity Development

The Division of Equal Opportunity Development develops and administers programs for affirmative action and equal employment opportunity. It ensures there is no discrimination in our programs, policies and practices.

Legal

Our Counsel's Office provides legal advice and counsel to our commissioner and our program units. The Administrative Adjudications Unit schedules hearings and provides resources for the Counsel's Office administrative proceedings.

Assist

Unemployment Insurance

If you are unemployed through no fault of your own, you may qualify for weekly benefit payments while you look for work. You can apply for unemployment benefits online or by calling 1-888-209-8124.

Research & Statistics

Our Labor Market Analysts provide data, facts and projections to help job seekers and businesses.

Connect

Division of Employment & Workforce Solutions

The Division of Employment & Workforce Solutions delivers services to job seekers and businesses statewide.

If you are a job seeker, we offer you resume help, career guidance, job placement and referrals. At New York State Career Centers, there are Resource Rooms where you can:

• Use computers and faxes to job hunt
• Explore training
• Take aptitude tests
• Link to partner agencies and services

If you are a business owner, you can take advantage of many services to help you with your workforce needs. These free services can save you thousands of dollars each year and include, but are not limited to:

• Job postings on the New York State Job Bank
• Customized recruitments and career fairs
• Hiring incentives, tax credits and on-the-job training
• Layoff aversion
• Training

In apprenticeship programs, beginners learn a trade or skill from master level workers. They learn on the job and in the classroom. Available apprenticeship programs in New York State currently include more than 300 occupations in the building trades, manufacturing, and service occupations. We are responsible for approving all apprenticeship programs in New York State.