A new law goes into effect this week that expands protections for workers who exercise their rights under state labor law. The law, signed by Governor David A. Paterson on August 26, 2009, increases the minimum civil penalty against employers who retaliate against employees from $200 to $2,000 and the maximum penalty from $1,000 to $10,000. In addition, the law allows the Commissioner of Labor to award lost compensation to workers who have been victims of employer retaliation. (less info)