Unions - New York

Summary of differences between federal and state regulations

New York has extensive labor relation laws. These are similar to those of the National Labor Relations Act and Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act, however. These laws are found in the State Labor Relations Act and Labor and Management Improper Practices Act.

New York labor relations law covers all employers except individual employed by a parent or spouse or domestic service workers.

Right to work

New York has no right to work law. The state allows contract provisions making union membership a condition of employment.

Captive audience law

Employers cannot require employees to attend meetings or listen to communications about religious or political topics. They cannot take or threaten to take adverse action against employees for refusing to attend employer-sponsored meetings, or refusing to listen to communications, where the primary purpose is to share employer opinions about religious or political matters.

State

Contacts

New York State Employment Relations Board

National Labor Relations Board (Region 3) - Albany

National Labor Relations Board (Region 3) - Buffalo

National Labor Relations Board (Region 29)

National Labor Relations Board (Region 2)

Public Employment Relations Board (PERB)

Executive branch employees

Governor’s Office of Employee Relations

Regulations

Right to organize

New York Constitution, Article I, Section 17

Employment Relations Act

New York State Consolidated Laws Article 20, 700 et seq.

Improper practices

Labor and Management Improper Practices Act, Article 20-A

Boards of inquiry in labor disputes

New York Labor Law, Article 22, Sections 800 to 805

Injunctions in labor disputes

New York Labor Law, Article 22-A, Sections 807 and 808

Interfering with union activities

New York General Business Law, Article 7, Section 84

Public Employees' Fair Employment Act (Taylor Law)

Federal

ContactNational Labor Relations Board

Regulations29 U.S.C. §§ 151-16929 U.S.C. §401 et seq.