The Wage Theft Prevention Act (WTPA) took effect on April 9, 2011. The law requires employers to give written notice of wage rates to each new hire.Employers must not add shifts to an employee with less than 72 hours' notice without the employee's consent. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) created this overview of important City, State, and federal laws so you know your rights at work. I've seen articles that say an employer is required to inform you in writing 7 days ahead of time but haven't found anything about New York specifically. If you are working at a job that is subject to prevailing wage rules, they do not have to pay you unless they ask you to wait. The answer is that yes, your employer can change your rate of pay. Tell him or her that it is illegal for the company to reduce your pay without giving prior notice. An employer is allowed to lower your wages, but they cannot do it without notice. Lamentably, it is an historical fact that privileged groups seldom give up their privileges voluntarily.