BenchNOTES Newsletter

Trials Division – COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update

Trials scheduled between now and April 17, 2020, have been adjourned with the exception of priority cases mandated by court order, such as Police Department Vehicle Forfeitures and Taxi and Limousine Commission Summary Suspension cases.

Licensing

Master plumber's license revoked.

The Department of Buildings (“DOB”) brought a proceeding against respondent, a licensed master plumber and fire suppression piping contractor, who was also registered with DOB as a construction superintendent and general contractor, seeking to revoke all of respondent’s licenses and registrations.

Dep’t of Buildings v. Buono, OATH Index No. 1899/18 (Feb. 28, 2020), adopted, Comm’r Dec. (Mar. 9, 2020).

Personnel

Employee refused to complete training.

The Department of Social Services (Human Resources Administration) brought disciplinary charges against respondent, a job opportunity specialist, alleging he committed insubordination by repeatedly refusing to attend mandatory Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, and Intersex (“LGBTQI”) training.

Dep’t of Social Services (Human Resources Admin.) v. Aurel, OATH Index No. 1094/20 (Feb. 21, 2020).

Worker Protection

Employer violated City Sick Time Law.

The Department of Consumer Affairs brought a proceeding alleging respondent had violated the Earned Safe and Sick Time Act by failing to pay for authorized use of sick time for one day to one employee, failing to timely pay that employee for authorized use of sick leave, and failing to provide information requested in the Department’s Notice of Investigation.

Dep’t of Consumer Affairs v. International Market Recruiters, OATH Index No. 140/20, mem. dec. (Feb. 12, 2020).