news stories
Mothers in the Workplace Act amended
January 13, 2023 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist
Effective June 7, 2023, the Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act is amended to provide specifications for lactation rooms and new policy requirements for employers. Among other provisions, employers will be required to provide affected employees with a location to express breast milk that is in close proximity to their workspace, well lit and shielded from view, and free from intrusion of other persons. The room must include a chair, a working …more
NYS exemptions increase now in effect and pay transparency law in effect this Sept.
January 13, 2023 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist
Effective Jan. 1, 2023, the salary threshold for employees classified as “exempt” under New York’s executive and administrative exemptions has increased to $1,064.25 per week, up from $990.00 per week. Allowances for meals, lodging, and utilities, as well as tip credits and uniform maintenance pay have all changed as well. Effective Sept. 17, 2023, all employers with four or more employees will be required disclose the compensation range in advertisements …more
NYS Human Rights Law update
January 13, 2023 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist
Effective Dec. 23, 2022, the New York State Human Rights Law has been amended to add “citizenship” and “immigration status” to the list of covered protected categories in employment, and employers should update their policies accordingly. …more
Updated workplace posting requirements
January 13, 2023 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist
There are two new laws reflecting workplace required postings at the workplace. Effective Dec. 16, 2022, employers must post all required federal and state workplace postings (such as EEO, unemployment, minimum wage) electronically, either by placing them on its website or by emailing them to employees. Employees must also be informed that the posters are available electronically. Penalties start at $100 and increase for every subsequent violation under this law. Effective Jan. …more
NYS leave law updates
January 13, 2023 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist
New York State has extended the COVID-19 vaccination leave, has added sibling under the Paid Family Leave law, and has a new amendment to a law that prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for taking legally protected absences. The NY COVID-19 vaccination leave, which requires employers to provide up to 4 hours of paid leave (separate from Paid Sick Leave or paid time off) to their employees to receive a COVID-19 …more
Warnerville UMC warming center reopens
January 10, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Warnerville UMC pastor, Maryellen (Mel) Moore, was compelled to help a single mother with four children in her congregation as they faced homelessness. She worked with the local Department of Social Services (DSS) and Catholic Charities to find services and housing for this member. Because of the housing shortage in Schoharie County, DSS and Catholic Charities find motel or hotel rooms for those needing assistance. When one thinks about homelessness, …more
I am enough
January 10, 2023 / By Daniel Bradley, Faith Journey UMC
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the 2022 Issue II of the Advocate, which focused on spiritual wellness. Click here to access the issue. I am enough. It sounds simple, doesn’t it? I am enough. This is a hard concept to master in this world in which we are continually told we are not enough. If we could just sit with this simple phrase, …more
Intentionally tending to the wellbeing of our clergy and clergy families
January 10, 2023 / By Rebekah Solar, Licensed Local Pastor at Three Mile Bay UMC and Point Peninsula UMC
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the 2022 Issue II of the Advocate, which focused on spiritual wellness. Click here to access the issue. Something new has come to the Northern Flow District. Well, not really something new, but certainly something different. I am Bekah Solar. I am a licensed local pastor, serving the congregations and communities of Three Mile Bay and Point Peninsula. I am also moonlighting …more
Coming together to help those impacted by the ‘Blizzard of the Century’ Part II—The work ahead
January 9, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s Note: This is part II of an article about conversations had at a Zoom meeting hosted by Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos To read about the devastation Buffalo-area churches experienced and God sightings, click here to read Part I. During Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez’s blizzard of the century …more
The ‘Blizzard of the Century’ Zoom gathering Part I—The devastation and God sightings
January 9, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, expected 30-40 people to participate in his Jan. 6, 2023, Zoom gathering to address the impact of the Christmas 2022 weekend blizzard, identified as the “blizzard of the century.” What was expected to be a few dozen people turned into a virtual gathering of over 150 people. The hour spent together was filled with encouraging stories …more