§ 605-a. Shared work program. 1. Any group of employees who may reasonably be expected to experience an employment loss as a consequence of a reduction in workforce or have experienced employment loss as a consequence of a reduction in workforce may petition in writing the employer of such group of employees to apply to participate in a shared work program pursuant to this article for purposes of avoiding such reduction in workforce or for purposes of re-hiring any former employee or employees of the employer that were laid off due to a reduction in workforce. Such employer shall, no later than seven days after such petition has been made, respond in writing to such group of employees. Such response shall state the decision of the employer to apply or not to apply to participate in a shared work program, and the reason for deciding to apply or not to apply to participate in a shared work program, and if the employer did apply, the outcome of the application, if available.

2. No employer or their agent, or person acting as or on behalf of a hiring entity, or the officer or agent of any corporation, partnership, or limited liability company, shall discriminate, retaliate against, or take adverse action against any employee for exercising the rights afforded to them under this section.