Senator Catherine Young (R-Olean)
ALBANY – Calling it a victory for victims and a defining moment for New York, Senator Cathy Young (R,C,I – 57th District) heralded sweeping new protections included in 2018-19 state budget to combat the problem of sexual harassment in the workplace.
The framework of the new law adheres closely to a comprehensive initiative that Senator Young introduced in December while also incorporating elements supported by the Governor and Democratic members of the Senate and Assembly.
The major reforms would:
- Prohibit secret settlements unless the victim requests confidentiality.
- Prohibit mandatory arbitration for sexual harassment complaints.
- Protect contract employees and freelance workers.
- Require adoption of a model sexual harassment policy by all public and private employers.
- Protect taxpayer funds from being used for individual sexual harassment settlements.
Young said the provisions in the new law targets sexual harassment from every angle, and victims will no longer be silenced and abusers will no longer be protected by antiquated laws and by a culture that has too often looked the other way.
The state Department of Labor and the Division of Human Rights will also have to create a sexual harassment policy that will be used by employers — both public and private.
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