NY A09134

Renames "wage boards" to "workers' boards" and expands their authority beyond minimum wage to also establish minimum standards for employee benefits (health care, paid leave, childcare, retirement) and working conditions (safety, health, working hours, employee participation in workplace decisions)

Requires the Labor Commissioner to investigate wages, benefits, and working conditions upon petition by 50 or more state residents, and to appoint a workers' board within 30 days if evidence shows substantial numbers of employees have insufficient compensation or conditions

Establishes workers' board composition including employer representatives, eligible employee representatives (nonprofit worker organizations meeting specific criteria), two public members, and relevant agency officials, with members serving five-year terms

Creates mandatory training requirements when boards alter wages, benefits, or working conditions, requiring employers to provide one hour of compensated training through certified worker organizations and to maintain records for at least six years

Expands enforcement mechanisms to allow civil actions by employees, eligible representatives, and the attorney general, with penalties including liquidated damages of 100% of amounts owed, and prohibits modifications that reduce wages, benefits, or working conditions without unanimous workers' board approval