Consultech, along with SCI, continues to work with legislators to refine Senate Bill 1514.
The bill was drafted to address misclassification in the construction industry, but the current language is broad enough to affect delivery and service-related businesses.
We are advocating for clearer definitions relating to:
- What qualifies as an employee
- Levels of control
- The concept of economic dependence
Objective: Prevent unintended impacts on service and delivery operations.
⏱️ New York Weekly Pay Requirement for Manual Workers
Under NY Labor Law §191, employees who spend 25% or more of their work time performing physical labor must be paid weekly, no later than seven days after the end of the workweek.
Penalties:
- Initial violations: capped at 100% of lost interest
- Repeat violations: may incur liquidated damages equal to one week’s pay per delayed week
Exemption:
Employers with 1,000+ employees may apply to pay biweekly, pending state approval.
Action Step: Review payroll schedules and job classifications to confirm compliance.
📈 2026 Minimum Wage Increases (Statewide Baselines)
Note: Local municipal wage laws may exceed these state levels.
State — 2026 Minimum Wage
- California: $16.90–$20.25
- New York: $16.00–$17.00
- Washington: $17.13–$21.30
- Hawaii: $16.00
- Michigan: $13.73
- Missouri: $15.00
- Virginia: $12.77
- Minnesota: $11.41
- Arizona: $15.15
- Colorado: $15.16
- Connecticut: $16.94
- Maine: $15.10
- Montana: $10.85
- Nebraska: $15.00
- New Jersey: $15.92
- Ohio: $11.00
- Rhode Island: $16.00
- South Dakota: $11.85
- Vermont: $17.13
Recommendation: Monitor city- and county-level wage ordinances for higher local rates.
🚗 California Rideshare Unionization Law (AB 1340)
This law enables rideshare drivers to unionize while maintaining independent contractor status.
Key elements include:
- Protection from retaliation
- Good-faith bargaining requirements
- Sectoral bargaining allowed if 30%+ of drivers support representation
Additional regulatory guidance is expected.
Implication: Delivery and platform-based businesses should monitor similar proposals emerging in other states.
💼 Massachusetts Pay Transparency Law (Effective October 29, 2025)
Employers with 25 or more employees must disclose salary ranges in all job postings, including internal promotions and transfers.
Enforcement:
- First violation typically results in a warning
- Continued violations may result in fines up to $25,000
Action Step: Update job posting templates and train HR staff on range documentation.
For support with compliance planning or policy interpretation, please contact your Consultech representative.
www.ConsultechClaims.com
(800) 769-2994