The New York State Department of Labor is accepting comments on its revised sexual harassment prevention model policy. The Department of Labor, in conjunction with the New York State Division of Human Rights, collected public input on the policy revisions in late 2022, and is providing a 30-day comment period prior to finalizing the revision. Comments will be accepted here until Feb. 11, 2023.

The proposed model policy revises the current sexual harassment prevention policy released in 2018. Revisions include:

• a stronger emphasis on gender identity discrimination;
• a new section on bystander intervention;
• reference to broader discrimination;
• expanded discussion of the state’s broadened definition of harassment;
• new retaliation examples;
• the addition of remote work;
• reference to the state’s new sexual harassment prevention hotline; and
• more prominent references to external remedies.

Credit unions are encouraged to review their existing sexual harassment policies and be prepared to update them based on the new model policy once it is implemented. The revised model policy includes language reminding employers that they may tailor the updated policy to their individual needs, but that no section in the policy should be omitted.

Credit unions with questions can contact Chris Pajak, PHR, New York Credit Union Association COO, at christopher.pajak@nycua.org or (800) 342-9835, ext. 8188.