If your company hires employees in New York, you need to know how New York employment law differs from the federal laws. Although there are federal laws governing employment, individual states like New York are free to establish their own employment laws. In general, when federal and state laws differ, those laws that are more generous to employees are the ones that take precedence. Here is a look at some specific New York state employment laws. Employment at will in New York New York is an “employment-at-will” state. Therefore, an employer in New York may generally terminate an employment relationship at any time and for any reason. (Keep in mind that a federal or state law, collective bargaining agreement, or individual employment contract may place further limitations on an otherwise at-will relationship.) Minimum Wage Employment Law in New York The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) established minimum wage at $5.15 on September 1, 1997. However, a New York employment law known as the Empire State Wage Act of 2004 increased the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.15 per hour in increments, the last increase effective in January of 2007. New York Employment Law in Plain-English Learn more about how New York employment laws differ from federal laws at HR.BLR.com, the human resource experts. HR.BLR.com is the most complete source for practical human resources advice and plain-English compliance analysis available anywhere. No matter what the HR topic - from termination to employment law - you’ll find hands-on help you can count on. As the laws in different states on Human Resources get more complex, keeping current can spell the difference between success and disaster. The HR.BLR.com editorial staff monitors a host of private and government sources to keep you up-to-date on all the important human resource developments. The HR Library has more helpful New York employment law resources like these: New York Overtime Law Minimum Wage Laws in New York New York Employment Forms