Establishes a leave of absence for veterans on Veterans Day, November 11th.
Summary
A05674 would amend New York’s Labor Law to require employers to grant eligible veterans a leave of absence on Veterans Day, November 11, unless the employer can show that the employee’s absence would create an undue hardship on the business. To qualify, the employee must have provided written documentation identifying them as a veteran by October 15 of the same year, and the leave applies only to individuals who meet the bill’s definition of a veteran: an honorably discharged or honorably released member of the U.S. armed forces who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and a New York resident at the time of the request.
The bill specifies that the leave may be unpaid excused leave for employees covered by overtime laws, or the employee may choose to charge the time against another leave benefit they already have. It also states that the new leave right cannot override or diminish rights under a bona fide collective bargaining agreement. The bill would take effect on October 1 following enactment.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would add a new employee leave entitlement to the Labor Law and create a specific statutory right for qualifying veterans to be absent from work on Veterans Day. Employers would need to review documentation submitted by October 15, assess any claimed undue hardship under the executive law standard, and administer the leave as unpaid excused time or as charged against other available leave. The measure would affect private employers subject to the Labor Law, while preserving existing collective bargaining arrangements and excluding individuals covered by Public Officers Law section 63.
Sentiment
The bill’s purpose appears broadly supportive of veterans and likely to be viewed favorably as a recognition of military service and a modest workplace accommodation. Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, there is no direct evidence of debate or opposition in the available record. The caption and text suggest a generally positive framing centered on honoring veterans through a guaranteed day off on Veterans Day.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are the employer mandate and the hardship exception. Employers may be concerned about staffing disruptions, especially because the leave is tied to a fixed date and requires advance documentation. Labor and collective bargaining issues could also arise, although the bill expressly preserves rights under bona fide union agreements. Another possible issue is the narrow eligibility definition, which limits the benefit to New York residents who are honorably discharged or released and who have provided timely written proof of veteran status.