NY A00665

Adds Labor Law § 171 establishing employee right to request flexible working arrangements, including changes to hours, days worked, arrival/departure times, remote work, or job-sharing.

Requires employers to consider employee requests and respond within 45 days; denials must be provided in writing with stated reasons if request was submitted in writing.

Permits employers to deny requests only if inconsistent with business operations, considering factors such as undue costs, employee morale, consumer demand, staffing ability, work quality, and structural changes.

Prohibits employer retaliation against employees exercising rights under this section and does not diminish rights under collective bargaining agreements.

Establishes $500 penalty per violation, enforceable by the state commissioner, and requires commissioner to promulgate implementing rules and regulations.