Capital Region businesses! You are invited to participate in the 26th annual Dr. King Career Fair on Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center. The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) is proud to co-sponsor this free event with the Office of General Services, and the Office of the Chief Disability Officer. Registration and exhibiting are completely free. Event co-sponsors handle all outreach and marketing, bringing jobseekers to you. Private meeting space will also be available for on-the-spot interviews with candidates. Register today and join the over 150 area businesses taking advantage of this opportunity: The Dr. King Career Fair is just one of the ways NYSDOL is working for you. We hope to see you there. |
| While the fashion world congregates in Manhattan for New York Fashion Week (February 11-16), NYSDOL would like to remind model management companies and groups that they must now register with the Department. This new mandate is the result of the New York State Fashion Workers Act, which went into effect in June 2025 and is focused on increasing worker protections across the vibrant fashion industry. New York has long been recognized as one of the premier fashion capitals in the world, and the Fashion Workers Act provides critical protections for fashion workers. One component of this new law is the Model Management Registry, which launched in December. The registry requires model management businesses or groups to register if they conduct business, represent models, or are based in New York State. The Model Management Registry weeds out predatory agencies and makes it easier to enforce labor laws and protect fashion workers from unfair working practices and exploitation. To learn more or register, visit the Model Management Registry webpage. |
When business is slow, employers frequently must make challenging workforce adjustments. The New York State Department of Labor’s Shared Work Program offers a strategic alternative, offering meaningful labor cost savings while allowing you to keep your trained employees on payroll. How Shared Work Delivers Real Results for Businesses
- Reduce employee hours instead of laying off staff
- Employees receive a portion of their unemployment insurance benefits to offset lost wages
- Retain experienced workers and avoid costly recruitment and training expenses
- Stay prepared for busy seasons and sales spikes
If you have at least two employees and need flexibility, Shared Work may be the solution. How the Shared Work Program Works:
- Your business submits a Shared Work application to the New York State Department of Labor and receives approval within 1-2 business days.
- Instead of laying off staff during slow periods, you temporarily reduce employees’ weekly hours by 20%-60%.
- Employees receive a percentage of their unemployment insurance benefits to help make up for the lost wages from reduced hours, keeping their take-home pay closer to normal.
- Your trained team stays employed and on payroll, so they're ready to serve customers and handle the rush when sales rebound—avoiding the need to recruit, hire, or train new staff.
This flexible program is ideal for environments with unpredictable or seasonal demand, helping you control payroll costs while preserving your valuable workforce. Ready to protect your team and business? We're here to help you navigate slowdowns without losing your best people! Contact one of our representatives at 518-457-2315 or click here to learn more about the Shared Work Program and how it can support your business. |
| NYSDOL’s On-Site Consultation Program is a free and confidential safety and health service to help businesses prevent workplace injuries and illnesses and to assist with OSHA regulatory compliance. Each year, our staff help hundreds of businesses statewide by providing cost-effective solutions to safety and health issues. Our consultants are completely independent from state and federal safety enforcement and can provide confidential feedback on numerous safety and health issues. With our On-Site Consultation Program, businesses can reduce workplace accidents by identifying hazards, reduce workers’ compensation claims, and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations. Learn more about the program and contact your local consultant today to schedule a visit! |
NYSDOL reminds employers to take the appropriate precautions to keep outdoor workers safe during periods of extreme cold and precipitation. Follow these best practices during the cold winter months: - Limit outdoor work and allow frequent breaks in warm areas
- Provide water and encourage regular hydration — dehydration can occur in cold environments and increase the risk of hypothermia
- Discourage caffeine and encourage workers to drink warm water and/or electrolyte drinks
- Provide a written acclimatization plan
- Offer training for extreme cold preparedness and emergency response
- Recommend workers wear multiple layers of clothing, hats, insulated gloves, thick socks, insulated footwear and a hat, hood, or hard hat liner
- Ensure workers and managers know how to recognize the symptoms of cold-related illnesses like hypothermia and frostbite
Please visit our Extreme Weather Guidance page for more resources to help protect workers in outdoor occupations. NYSDOL’s top priority is to keep all workers safe. |
| New York State employers are required to display current labor law posters and workplace notices where employees can easily see them. February is a great time to review your postings and confirm you have the most up-to-date versions. Many required posters are available for free on NYSDOL’s website. Keeping your posters current can help prevent misunderstandings, complaints, and potential penalties. Visit the NYSDOL Posting Requirements webpage to review and download updated workplace posters. |
|
