Election of Remedies Provision of Labor Law 740 (Retaliation in Employment) Does Not Bar a Separate Claim Pursuant to Labor Law 203-c (Placement of Cameras in Employee Restrooms)
The Second Department determined the election of remedies provision of Labor Law 740 (retaliation in employment) did not bar a separate and independent claim pursuant to Labor Law 203-c (placement of video cameras in employee restrooms):
Labor Law § 740(7) provides that “the institution of an action in accordance with this section shall be deemed a waiver of the rights and remedies available under any other contract, collective bargaining agreement, law, rule or regulation or under the common law.” However, the waiver only applies to causes of action arising out of or relating to the same underlying claim of retaliation … . The Labor Law § 203-c cause of action here asserts the separate and independent claim of illegal placement of video cameras in employee restrooms. Thus, it is not barred by the Labor Law § 740(7) election of remedies provision … . Davis v Duane Reade Inc, 2014 NY Slip Op 06295 2nd Dept 9-24-14