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Access over workers' compensation decisions, including En Banc, Significant Panel Decisions, and writ-denied cases.

Case No. CA 16-00663
Regular Panel Decision
Feb 10, 2017

INTERNATIONAL UNION (DISTRICT) v. NEW YORK STATE DEPT. OF LABOR

This case involves an appeal concerning the interpretation of Labor Law § 220 (3-e) in New York, specifically regarding the prevailing wage for glazier apprentices on public works projects. Plaintiffs, a consortium of unions, individuals, and businesses, challenged the New York State Department of Labor's (DOL) interpretation that glazier apprentices performing work classified for another trade (like ironworkers) must be paid at the journeyman rate for that other trade. The Supreme Court initially dismissed the plaintiffs' complaint, upholding the DOL's position. However, the Appellate Division reversed this decision, ruling that Labor Law § 220 (3-e) permits glazier apprentices registered in a bona fide program to be paid apprentice rates, irrespective of whether the work performed falls under a different trade classification. The court concluded that the DOL's interpretation was contrary to the plain meaning of the statute and thus not entitled to deference.

Apprenticeship ProgramsLabor LawPublic Works ProjectsGlaziersIronworkersPrevailing WageStatutory InterpretationNew York State Department of LaborDeclaratory JudgmentAppellate Review
References
33
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Wortman v. State Tax Commission

The petitioner, a salesman for Madison Sportswear and Wardrobe Makers, was assessed unincorporated business taxes for the years 1971-1974 by the State Tax Commission. He worked on a straight commission, maintained a home office, and received no employee benefits. Despite some evidence suggesting an employer-employee relationship, the Commission determined his activities constituted an unincorporated business, making his earnings subject to the tax. The court, in a CPLR article 78 proceeding, confirmed the Commission's determination, dismissing the petition.

Unincorporated Business TaxSalesmanCommission-basedEmployer-Employee RelationshipTax LawState Tax CommissionCPLR Article 78Tax LiabilityBusiness Expenses
References
3
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Pochter v. State Tax Commission

The case concerns Leonard Pochter, an outside commission salesman, challenging a State Tax Commission determination classifying him as an independent contractor, thus subjecting him to unincorporated business tax for 1966-1972. Pochter contended he was an employee of two wholesale apparel firms, which would exempt him from the tax. Despite some company restrictions and requirements, the Commission found a lack of substantial control over his sales methods. The court affirmed the Commission's decision, citing insufficient evidence of employer supervision to establish an employee relationship, thereby dismissing Pochter's petition.

unincorporated business taxindependent contractor statusemployee statuscommission salesmantax assessmentCPLR Article 78State Tax Commissionapparel industryemployer control testtax law interpretation
References
10
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
May 03, 2000

RLI Insurance v. New York State Department of Labor

This appeal concerns a dispute between a surety and the Department of Labor over funds held by a school district. The surety, after posting performance and payment bonds for a public improvement project, expended over $176,000 to complete the project and pay laborers following the contractor's default. The Department of Labor sought to withhold funds from the school district for the contractor's underpaid wages on both the subject project and an unrelated one, invoking Labor Law § 220-b (2) (a) (1). The Supreme Court dismissed the surety's application, ruling that the Department of Labor's claim for underpaid wages, even from unrelated projects, was superior. The Appellate Division affirmed this judgment, establishing that Labor Law § 220-b (2) creates a statutory trust for underpaid wages that takes precedence over a surety's subrogation claims.

Surety bondsPerformance bondPayment bondPublic improvement projectSubrogation rightsUnderpaid wagesPrevailing wageStatutory trustLien LawLabor Law
References
3
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Kessel v. Public Service Commission

This case involves an appeal challenging a rate increase granted to the Long Island Lighting Company (LILCO) by the Public Service Commission. LILCO had requested the increase due to severe financial difficulties and the anticipated non-operation of its Shoreham nuclear plant, leading to a "Financial Stability Adjustment" (FSA) to improve cash flow without increasing income. Petitioners initiated a CPLR article 78 proceeding, asserting that the Commission failed to exercise proper discretion, did not adequately consider ratepayers' interests, and improperly shifted the burden of proof. The court affirmed the Commission's decision, finding that it had appropriately balanced the interests of consumers and investors to preserve LILCO's financial integrity and ensure reliable service. The court also dismissed allegations regarding the burden of proof and judicial bias, concluding that the Commission's determinations were rational and supported by the record.

Rate IncreasePublic Service CommissionLong Island Lighting Company (LILCO)Financial Stability Adjustment (FSA)Utility RegulationAdministrative LawJudicial ReviewUtility RatesShoreham Nuclear PlantBurden of Proof
References
4
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Board of Education of Yonkers City School District v. Yonkers Municipal Civil Service Commission

The Board of Education of the Yonkers City School District initiated a CPLR article 78 proceeding to review the Yonkers Municipal Civil Service Commission's determination. The Commission had reinstated Michael DeMuro, a custodial worker, after charges of incompetence and misconduct. This case is a further review following a prior remittal where the Commission violated Civil Service Law § 76 (2) by considering external evidence. The Supreme Court, Westchester County, annulled the Commission's latest determination and transferred the case. This Court (Appellate Division) found the transfer improper as the 'substantial evidence' standard was not applicable. The Court annulled the Commission's determination, vacated the Supreme Court's judgment, denied the cross-petition, and remitted the matter to the Commission for a third determination in strict compliance with Civil Service Law § 76.

Civil Service LawCPLR Article 78Administrative LawJudicial ReviewDue ProcessRemittalAnnulmentDisciplinary ProceedingCustodial WorkerIncompetence
References
3
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Anastasio v. Waterfront Commission

The New York Court of Appeals reversed the Appellate Division's order, reinstating the Waterfront Commission's denial of a petitioner's application for restoration. The court affirmed the Commission's broad discretionary authority to regulate waterfront workers, citing its statutory mandate to address crime and corruption and balance labor supply and demand. The petitioner's admission that the restoration was sought solely for union disability pension eligibility, rather than to re-enter the workforce, was deemed a valid consideration for the Commission in denying the application. The decision emphasized that the petitioner failed to demonstrate the Commission's refusal was based on legally impermissible grounds.

Waterfront CommissionLicensing AuthorityAdministrative DiscretionLabor LawLongshoremen RegistrationDisability Pension EligibilityJudicial ReviewStatutory InterpretationGood Cause DenialDenial of Application
References
4
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

New York City Department of Environmental Protection v. New York City Civil Service Commission

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) filed an Article 78 petition seeking to annul a determination by the New York City Civil Service Commission. The Commission had reversed an Administrative Law Judge's decision which sustained misconduct charges against respondent John Daly for striking a co-worker and threatening him. DEP argued the Commission improperly reassessed witness credibility, violating its mandate under Civil Service Law § 76 (2). The court confirmed the Commission's determination, finding that despite an improper transfer under CPLR 7804 (g), the Commission's decision was not arbitrary given the contradictory testimony, thus dismissing the petition.

Administrative LawArticle 78Judicial ReviewCivil Service LawPublic Employee MisconductCredibility AssessmentAgency DeterminationAppellate CourtArbitrary and Capricious StandardDue Process
References
4
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Rochester Club v. New York State Labor Relations Board

The petitioner, an employer, was charged with unfair labor practices by the New York State Labor Relations Board. Despite a trial examiner's recommendation to dismiss the complaint, the Board found unfair labor practices and ordered the matter reopened for further hearings to determine employee reinstatement and back pay. The petitioner initiated an Article 78 proceeding to review this Board order, which the Board moved to dismiss as non-final. The court held that under New York Labor Law, the Board's order, granting no relief and requiring further evidence, is an interlocutory order not subject to immediate judicial review. The court distinguished this from federal practice, where similar orders may be considered final, due to differences in state and federal procedural acts. Consequently, the court dismissed the petition, ruling that a final order from the Board was still pending.

Administrative LawJudicial ReviewFinal OrderInterlocutory OrderLabor LawUnfair Labor PracticeNew York State Labor Relations BoardArticle 78 ProceedingAppellate ProcedureStatutory Interpretation
References
8
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Buckhout v. New York City Commission on Human Rights

Petitioner Mary Ellen Buckhout, a former temporary employee of Gallo, was terminated after being diagnosed with breast cancer, despite later being placed on the regular payroll. Gallo asserted economic reasons and performance as the basis for her dismissal. Buckhout filed a discrimination complaint with the New York City Commission on Human Rights, which ultimately dismissed her claim, finding no credible evidence of pretext. The Supreme Court vacated the Commission's decision and remanded the matter. However, the Appellate Division reviewed the Supreme Court's order, determined it lacked authority to question the Commission's findings on substantial evidence, and unanimously reversed the Supreme Court's order, thereby dismissing Buckhout's petition and reinstating the Commission's determination.

DiscriminationHandicap DiscriminationEmployment LawWrongful TerminationCPLR Article 78Administrative ReviewSubstantial EvidencePretext ArgumentEconomic DismissalAppellate Division
References
3
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