Consumer and Worker Protection311Search all NYC.gov websites
Office of Labor Policy & Standards for Workers
The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)—formerly the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)—Office of Labor Policy & Standards (OLPS) is NYC’s central resource for workers. We are a dedicated voice in City government for workers in NYC. We protect and promote labor standards and policies that create fair workplaces to ensure all workers can realize their rights, regardless of immigration status.
What We Do for You:
- Enforcement.
We enforce key NYC workplace laws and rules, including:- Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law
- Fair Workweek Laws
- Delivery Worker Laws
- Commuter Benefits Law
- Grocery Workers Retention Act
- Temporary Schedule Change Law
- Complaint Intake and Referral
We take complaints about workplace laws and investigate claims under laws we enforce. We also connect workers to relevant government agencies, legal service providers, and resources to help them access and protect their rights and get critical services.
- Outreach and Education
We partner with workers and worker organizations to ensure that workers know their rights and can advocate for them. We also educate employers about their obligations under workers’ rights laws to build a culture of compliance.
- Freelancer Protection
Under the Freelance Isn’t Free Act, DCWP protects freelance workers against unlawful payment practices and retaliation by hiring parties. DCWP also empowers freelancers by providing resources and offering a Navigation Program to answer questions about freelancers’ rights and general questions about the court process.
- Paid Care Division
We have a first-of-its-kind Division dedicated to defending rights of paid care workers, such as home health and personal care aides, home attendants, nannies, caregivers, and housecleaners; improving the quality of paid care jobs; and strengthening the paid care system. Learn more about our mediation program for in-home domestic workers and employers to resolve workplace disputes.
- Research, Advocacy, and Policy Development
We conduct labor market research to advance new policy initiatives that are responsive to a changing economy and that strengthen protections for particularly vulnerable workers, including people of color, women, and immigrants.
Worker Protection Survey
DCWP’s Office of Labor Policy & Standards regularly distributes surveys to New York City workers via email or text message. Survey responses help DCWP understand whether employers are following worker protection laws. DCWP will keep your name confidential and won’t share it with employers.
If you received a survey, you can verify the link is from DCWP if it ends with nyc.gov. DCWP will never ask you for personal financial information.
If you received a survey and have questions, ask DCWP a question.