NY A04350

Requires employers to provide employees and former employees (separated within 3 years) with written access to review and copy their personnel files at the location where files are maintained during normal business hours.

Mandates employers provide one free copy of the entire personnel file per calendar year to requesting employees, plus one free copy of all new materials added since the previous copy was provided.

Defines personnel files to include formal and informal evaluations, reports on character, work habits, compensation, benefits, and nonprivileged medical records or nurses' station notes.

Establishes civil penalties of $25 per day (capped at $500 per request) for employers who fail without good cause to provide access within 10 days of a written request, with allowance for injunctive relief and reimbursement of litigation costs including attorney's fees.

Applies identical requirements to both private sector employees under Labor Law and public sector civil service employees, while preserving any greater rights granted under collective bargaining agreements.