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Fair Employment Law
Q: My husband and I own and operate two businesses: a restaurant located in Nassau County and a florist in lower Manhattan. I understand that the number of sex discrimination and harassment claims by employees in the metropolitan area is on the rise. We want to be certain that our workplace policies are effective and provide protection for our employees as well as our businesses. Are there any differences between the laws that apply to our Nassau County restaurant and those that apply to our Manhattan flower shop?
A: Until recently, the answer to your question would be that the “severe or pervasive” standard applied in determining whether an employee was subjected to unlawful discrimination under the human rights laws governing businesses in both Nassau County and New York City. However, that answer has changed because of decisions rendered by an appellate court in Manhattan which impose a greater burden on New York City employers under the New York City Human Rights Law.
