Is There a Limit on Working Hours in New York? The New York State Department of Labor does not limit the number of hours employees can work per day. This means employers may legally ask their employees to work shifts of eight, ten, twelve, or more hours each day.
These mandates and the regulations that implement them cover many workplace activities for about 165 million workers and 11 million workplaces. Following is a brief description of many of DOL's principal statutes most commonly applicable to businesses, job seekers, workers, retirees, contractors and grantees.
You may also call the Task Force hotline at 1-888-469-7365. Reports may remain anonymous.
New York City's Labor Law 200, applying to laborers such as construction workers, describes the duty of employers and construction site owners “to protect the health and safety of employees” by assuring them of “reasonable and adequate protection” for any type of work they have been hired to perform.
Generally, employment laws focus on the location where the work is performed, not necessarily where the employer is based. That said, NYC employment laws might still apply if the employer's conduct, policies, or decisions are made in the city.
Agency: New York State Department of Labor. Division: Division of Labor Standards Local Office. Phone Number: (888) 469-7365. Business Hours: Monday - Friday: AM - PM. Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours. Call volume is often high. If you don't get through, call back later.
Employers in New York State must provide certain employees with at least 24 consecutive hours of rest in any calendar week. This is referred to as a day of rest, and the Guidelines (below) provide more specific details. Employers may apply for a variance from the day of rest requirement.