The employee in the linked article works in Ohio. New York’s government would have nothing to do with this.

Also, absent a contract stating otherwise, there is nothing illegal with terminating an employee in the manner described in the article, except in Montana.

My observation does not pertain to labor law, but rather to work environments, and how interpersonal dynamics work when there's a large power differential, if the more powerful person acts in particular ways.

As long as I have some personal freedom, I will avoid employment where I can't ask questions and receive honest answers, or where I'm told I'm not paid to think.