Governor Kathy Hochul this week introduced New York’s first-ever Youth Workers Bill of Rights, a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing protections for the state’s youngest employees. Announced in her 2024 State of the State address, this Bill of Rights provides crucial information on minimum wage, anti-discrimination, and other essential worker protections, ensuring young employees are well-informed and safeguarded in their workplaces.

Businesses across New York are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Youth Workers Bill of Rights, which will be distributed alongside working papers and made available in various formats. The Bill of Rights outlines key protections such as the right to minimum wage, a safe and discrimination-free workplace, and the ability to file complaints without fear of retaliation.

The DOL’s new Youth Worker Information Hub serves as an educational resource, offering detailed information on working hours, minimum wage compliance, and prohibited occupations for those under 18. This initiative builds on Governor Hochul’s 2023 measures to combat rising child labor violations, including the establishment of an interagency Child Labor Task Force and the Protect Youth Workers Pledge for businesses.

By adhering to the guidelines set forth in the Youth Workers Bill of Rights, businesses can contribute to creating a safer, more inclusive work environment for young employees. With summer approaching and more young people entering the workforce, it is vital for businesses to ensure they are following these standards.

Visit the Youth Worker Information Hub for additional information and resources.

The DOL offers a wide variety of programs and services to help businesses across all industries. All of our services are available at no cost to you. Each month, we’ll highlight what we offer and how we can help your business grow or get through tough times. If something catches your eye, reach out to us and we can create customized solutions to help you meet your goals, no matter what you’re facing.

Whether you’re a working mom or you have employees who are, New York State has many resources available to support mothers in our workforce. In honor of Mother’s Day, we recently highlighted some of these programs and tools.

As recently announced in Governor Hochul’s 2025 budget, Sick Leave has now been expanded to cover prenatal care, a first-in-the-nation initiative, allowing pregnant people to seek the care they need without fear of taking time off work.

Prenatal leave is part of a series of actions by Governor Hochul to support new parents and improve maternal health outcomes. Prior innovative actions include offering 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave benefits to more than 80 percent of the state workforce and extending postpartum coverage for up to a full year after the end of a pregnancy for Medicaid and Child Health Plus enrollees.

The DOL also has a variety of programs available that can help mothers re-enter the workforce or elevate their careers. For instance, our Career Centers provide counseling to help workers find a fulfilling and family sustaining career and our Salary Negotiation Guide is available to help workers and job seekers advocate for themselves in the workplace.

We know that working mothers face significant challenges in striving to balance the demands of their careers with the joys and responsibilities of motherhood. It’s a constant juggling act and our 2023 Gender Wage Gap Report addressed some of the underlying issues that exacerbate these challenges, and the wage gap itself. The DOL will continue to seek new, innovative ways to tackle these issues.

For more on the DOL’s recommended solutions to achieve pay equity, visit our Gender Wage Gap Hub.

The Six Flags Great Escape Resort, one of the largest employers of minors in the Capital District, has committed to providing a safe workplace for minors by taking the Protect Youth Workers Pledge.

Here's what Andrea Sheldon, Director of Human Resources, had to say: "As one of the largest employers in the area that hires minors, it was an obvious choice. We want to make the Great Escape a safe and enjoyable experience for our minors and remain vigilant with state and federal regulations. We would encourage other businesses to take the pledge; we believe signing the pledge is important to ensure minors are protected and kept safe." 

We invite you to follow in the footsteps of Six Flags Great Escape Resort and take the pledge to protect youth workers. By signing up, you demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding minors in the workplace and promoting a safe environment for all. 

Don’t forget to prominently display your Youth Workers Pledge sticker when you receive it!
Thank you for your support in creating a safer and more secure workplace for minors. Let's stand together to ensure that all youth workers are protected and kept safe.