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. Workers in New York State have rights and protections related to: Wages; Hours of work and overtime; Leave; Safety and health; Discrimination.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. 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. This pamphlet is intended to provide Employers and Employees with general information about their employment rights and responsibilities in New York State. Employers and HR professionals can use this guide to better understand the labor laws covering New York businesses and to better manage compliance. The law prohibits most deductions from wages, with designated exceptions such as taxes, insurance premiums, union dues and court-ordered garnishments. Employers are required to pay an overtime rate of 1 ½ times the normal rate to non-exempt employees for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a workweek. The Fair Labor Standards Act prescribes standards for wages and overtime pay, which affect most private and public employment.