Scope Of Displaced Building Workers Protection Act Expanded

New York City recently amended the Displaced Building Service Workers Protection Act (the "DBSWPA"), which was adopted in 2002. The DBSWPA required successor building owners, managers and contractors to offer employment to its predecessor's part-time and full-time building service employees for a 90-day period.

The new revisions significantly expands the original law. Since employees who are terminated in violation of the DBSWPA have a private right of action, and can seek injunctive and monetary relief including back pay, benefits, attorney fees and costs, appropriate care should be taken to make sure that issues raised by the DBSWPA are addressed in every real estate transaction.