If you experience harassment or discrimination at work, you may question whether the law protects you, especially if you do not work as a traditional employee. You may work under a contract, participate in an internship or provide services in someone’s home.
In New York, workplace protections extend beyond full-time employees. In some cases, you may have legal protections even if you do not have a traditional employer-employee relationship.
Which workers may qualify for workplace protections?
New York law protects more than just traditional employees from workplace harassment and discrimination. Workers who may qualify for these protections include:
- Independent contractors and freelancers
- Paid and unpaid interns
- Domestic workers, such as nannies, housekeepers and caregivers
New York law recognizes that workers in these roles can face the same workplace issues as traditional employees.
What can workplace misconduct look like?
Harassment and discrimination can take many forms. You could encounter offensive comments, unwelcome conduct or unequal treatment because of a protected characteristic. These issues can arise in an office, a private home or another work setting.
Workplace harassment and discrimination can occur in many settings, including offices, private homes and other places where covered workers perform their jobs.
Coverage may extend beyond traditional employment
Whether you work for an employer, complete an internship or provide services under a contract, your work arrangement does not automatically determine whether New York’s workplace protections apply to you.