Ithaca committee adopts policy statement to pursue ‘just cause’ wrongful‑discharge protections

The special committee on wrongful discharge and labor protections voted unanimously to adopt a policy statement directing the city attorney to draft ordinance language to establish just‑cause employee protections in Ithaca.

The committee coalesced around a pilot enforcement model that would prioritize education in year one and rely primarily on private rights of action supported by city‑funded legal assistance thereafter. Members agreed on several scoping and procedural details to send to the city attorney: a 90‑day probationary period for new hires, a one‑year statute of limitations for bringing claims, an exemption for very small employers (five or fewer employees, including the owner), and a two‑year review of the ordinance’s effect. The motion to send those directives to the city attorney passed unanimously. As the Chair said, "We have a policy statement. You have an instructions manual." (Chair)

Committee members and witnesses recommended built‑in protections for bona fide economic layoffs, seasonal positions and egregious misconduct exceptions. The policy statement also asked the city attorney to prepare alternative drafting options (for example, judge‑discretionary remedies versus prescriptive severance amounts) so council can weigh the tradeoffs during later readings and public hearings.

The committee also directed staff to hold additional community town halls and circulate draft language for public feedback once the city attorney’s office delivers initial drafts. Assistant City Attorney Victor Kessler told the committee his office would prioritize the assignment and keep committee leadership apprised of progress.