NYECA Reviewing Proposed Workers’ Comp Paid Family Leave Regulations
The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board has published proposed regulations implementing the expansion of Paid Family Leave (PFL) to construction workers operating under a collective bargaining agreement, effective January 1, 2027. Under the new framework, construction employees covered by a CBA may become eligible for PFL after working for covered employers for at least 26 of the preceding 39 weeks, therefore expanding potential eligibility. The regulations implement Chapter 72 of the Laws of 2026.
The proposed regulations also address how eligibility is determined for workers employed across multiple signatory employers, with the Board proposing to define an employer’s “normal workweek” as 20 or more hours per week. NYECA is reviewing the proposed regulations, and the public comment period ends on October 18th. We will continue to assess the potential implications of the new law and regulations for electrical contractors and their employees, if at all, given the terms and conditions currently addressing PFL in existing NYECA CBA’s.
NYECA Monitoring Full Slate of 2026 Federal State and Local Elections
With the November 3 general election approaching, New York’s political landscape will change, and NYECA is watching carefully. At the state level, voters will elect the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and State Comptroller, as well as members of both houses of the State Legislature - all 63 Senate and 150 Assembly seats are up for election. In addition, due to a recent change in state law, many local races are occurring this fall, even though there was an election just last year.
At the federal level, all of New York’s U.S. House seats are on the ballot, along with one U.S. Senate seat. With the retirement of Senator Mike Gianaris, NYECA is also monitoring who will be chosen as the new Deputy Senate Majority Leader, as well as the selection of a new Assembly Majority Leader due to the retirement of Assemblywoman Crystal People-Stokes, two major changes in Albany. Both of these decisions will be made after the November elections.
NYECA Participating in Discussions with Governor’s Staff Opposing Enactment of the Contractor Reporting Pay Act
In 2026, over industry objections, the legislature passed the Construction Reporting Pay Act (A.6950- Cruz//S.9843-Ramos). We expect that this bill will be transmitted to the Governor for final consideration before Labor Day. The bill would amend New York’s Labor Law to require minimum reporting and scheduling pay requirements for construction workers (both union and non-union). In doing so, the bill improperly substitutes a one-size-fits-all statutory mandate for terms already negotiated by labor and management representatives through collective bargaining. In the union construction industry, many collective bargaining agreements already contain detailed reporting pay provisions tailored to the realities of specific trades, project types, and working conditions, thereby making the legislation completely unnecessary.
To oppose enactment of this ill-advised legislation, NYECA is therefore working with a coalition of other union construction trade associations in asking Governor Hochul to either veto the bill outright, or include changes in a chapter amendment that would exempt CBA’s that already address minimum reporting pay requirements. We expect a decision by the Governor shortly.
If you have any questions or would like additional information on any New York State or New York City legislative matter, including copies of any legislation or regulations mentioned in this article, please contact Peter Rescigno or NYECA lobbyist Perry Ochacher at (914) 319-9173.