Gov. Hochul unveils NY’s first-ever Youth Workers Bill of Rights

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled New York’s first-ever Youth Workers Bill of Rights on May 29, 2024. She first announced the bill in her 2024 State of the State address as part of an effort to bolster protection for New York’s youngest workers.

Hochul tasked the New York State Department of Labor with developing and distributing the Youth Workers Bill of Rights in partnership with the New York State Education Department and creating a resource that details essential rights and protections for every youth worker. The Youth Workers Bill of Rights follows the governor’s commitment to address last year’s rise in child labor violations by protecting young people in the workplace.

The Youth Workers Bill of Rights seeks to educate first-time workers as they prepare to enter the labor market by explaining the rights all NY workers enjoy as well as the protections that are specific to workers under 18. The Bill of Rights will be distributed to every young worker upon receiving their working papers. It will be available in various formats, including a print pocket guide available in schools and NYSDOL Career Centers for easy reference, a downloadable poster for educators and administrative staff to hang in schools, and online for broad accessibility.