In almost every case there are common threads, consistent "laws" that cook's carry with them from property to property. While there's a fundamental principle that says an agency cannot discipline someone for being on approved leave, there are indeed exceptions.If you are a cook, you depend on your job to cover your living expenses. Your employer owes you the duty to maintain a safe, welcoming work environment. Cooks work in restaurants, schools, hospitals, hotels, and other establishments where food is prepared and served. Under the paid time off law, employees in New York State accrue sick and safe leave at the rate of one hour off for every thirty hours worked. Chefs and head cooks oversee the daily food preparation at restaurants and other places where food is served. There are the scars on your left hand from all that time as a prep cook. Deductions are subject to Fair Labor Standards Act requirements. We enforce the State Labor Laws for minimum wage, hours of work, employment of minors, payment of wages, farm labor, nursing mothers in the workplace, and more.