Department collects wages for Connecticut jobs
Posted on September 30, 2018
The labor department is busy collecting wages owed for Connecticut jobs.
The Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) has recovered more than $4.9 million in unpaid wages for Connecticut workers during the fiscal year that ended June 30.
“Our working women and men are the backbone of this state – it is important that they are rightfully paid for the jobs they do and correctly compensated with the wages they have earned,” Governor Malloy said. “These individuals worked hard for these wages and depend on this income to support their families and contribute to the financial strength of their communities. With Labor Day approaching, it is particularly important to recognize the importance of fair wages and safe workforce conditions in our state, as well as the key role Connecticut’s workers contribute to the economic vitality of our state.”
A total of $4,936,684.75 was returned to workers. This includes $2,296,792.40 recovered by wage enforcement staff responding to complaints that owed wages had not been paid. A total of $1,928,509.37 was provided to employees that did not receive the required minimum wage or overtime, and $687,324.93 was recovered for employees when it was determined workers were paid incorrect amounts while working at public contract construction sites.
“The 4.9 million collected by our Division of Wage and Workplace Standards reflects the high priority we place on protecting our state’s workforce, as well as law-abiding employers,” said Connecticut Department of Labor Commissioner Kurt Westby. “Our mission is to ensure that all of Connecticut’s wage laws are thoroughly understood by every employer in this state,” he explained. “While we want our residents to be paid properly for the work they do, we also want to provide a level playing field for all employers, and this is not possible when laws are not properly followed.”
The unit investigated more than 2,300 claims for unpaid wages, 250 cases involving minimum wage or overtime, and 240 cases involving workplace standards violations, including investigations to prevent the employment of children in hazardous occupations and ensuring minors worked established hours.
During the year, wage investigators also issued 167 stop work orders to employers that did not comply with worker’s compensation requirements and/or did not keep accurate pay records.
