On May 15, 2017, Local Law 140 of 2016 will take effect. The law establishes and enhances protections for freelance workers, specifically the right to:
• A written contract
• Timely and full payment
• Protection from retaliation
The law establishes penalties for violations of these rights, including statutory damages, double damages, injunctive relief, and attorney’s fees.
Individual causes of action will be adjudicated in state court.
Where there is evidence of a pattern or practice of violations, the Corporation Counsel may bring civil action to recover a civil penalty of not more than $25,000.
This law also requires OLPS to receive complaints, create a court navigation program, and gather data and report on the effectiveness of the law.
Download Protecting NYC’s Freelance Workers flyer.
We need Australian legislators to look at this and learn.
Contact Greg Branson if you would like to learn more about the many programs the DBC offers.
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Greg Branson
Greg’s passion is the research and development of methods that improve design management and the role of design in business.
Greg has developed The Design Business School to help owners manage their business better along with showing designers how to get more involved in the studio and develop their career path. Contact Greg.