N.Y. Lab. Law § 535

§ 535. Referees. The commissioner shall appoint, subject to the\nregulations of the civil service, as many persons as may be necessary to\nbe referees to perform the duties prescribed by this article. It shall\nbe the duty of a referee, under the supervision, direction, and\nadministrative control of the appeal board, to hear and decide disputes\nin accordance with the provisions of this article and to conduct such\nother and further hearings in connection with the foregoing as may be\nrequired by the board.\n