BILL NUMBER: S4925
SPONSOR: RAMOS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the labor law, in relation to requiring training to
reduce abusive conduct and bullying in the workplace
 
PURPOSE:
To expand the current duties of public employers to develop and imple-
ment programs to prevent workplace violence
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Amends section 27-b of labor law to expand the current duties
of public employers to develop and implement programs to prevent work-
place violence.
Section 2. Sets effective date
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Issues stemming from the pandemic and the ensuing mental health crisis
are negatively impacting workplaces around the state. According to a
2021 survey by the Workplace Bullying Institute, 30% of workers have
directly experienced bullying while at work. People who work remotely
were more likely to report such bullying, with 43% responding that they
had been bullied on the job
(https://workplacebullying.org/2021-wbi-survey). As an employer, the
state of New York has a responsibility to train its employees to identi-
fy abusive conduct and/or bullying and to educate staff on the remedies
available to affected employees to seek redress for such actions whether
conducted by other employees or managers.
This legislation seeks to address bullying in the worksite by educating
managers and staff about the nature and impact of such conduct and
outlining the processes available to report and address such issues.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S3065B (Ramos)/ A8934A (Bronson) - Veto No. 130
2022 S9437 (Ramos)/ A.10367 (Joyner)
 
FISCAL IMPACT:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act takes effect on the 180th day after it becomes law.