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Podcast: #MeToo Movement Sparks New Anti-Sexual Harassment Laws

New York has passed new sexual harassment policy and training requirements affecting all employers, from Mom-and-Pop stores to Wal-Mart. With other states beginning to follow suit, this podcast examines the new laws with New York City employment attorney Michael Schmidt, vice chair of the Labor and Employment Department at Cozen O'Connor.

"Even if you've got just one employee in New York, you've got to comply with the training requirement," said Schmidt. Another notable requirement is that an employer must comply with these requirements as each new hire is brought into the company. Companies have until October 9, 2019, to comply with the mandatory training but should have a sexual harassment prevention program in writing immediately.

Maine already requires training for rank-and-file employees while Delaware and California also have similar requirements coming soon. It is a trend that Schmidt predicts will continue in 2019, as the #MeToo movement is not going away.

This podcast also features a discussion of other key developments in this area, including:

  • New York's ban of confidentiality provisions in sexual harassment settlement agreements subject to very limited exceptions;
  • New York City's law (effective April 1, 2019) mandating that covered employers address bystander intervention and also provide employees with contact information for local agencies should they wish to complain; and
  • The debate over whether employers should consider removing sexual harassment from any mandatory arbitration agreements with employees.

Additional Resources

New York Sexual Harassment Prevention Compliance Checklist

New York Sexual Harassment Prevention Poster

How to Comply With New York Sexual Harassment Prevention Laws

Transcript