CONNECTICUT EMPLOYMENT LAW
Employment law in Connecticut includes numerous issues that may arise in the association between an employer and his employees. Sexual harassment, wages and hours, health and safety, wrongful termination, disability law and discrimination at the worksite are all example of employment law (or labor law) topics. Employees who have complaints or claims against their employer should discuss them with a Connecticut employment attorney.
A Connecticut employment attorney is a necessity if you are filing discrimination, sexual harassment and wrongful termination claims, because these claims require a good deal of proof and can be highly complicated. You should also hire an employment lawyer if you have general questions or employment law concerns, or would like an explanation of your benefits and rights under Connecticut employment law.
Why Hire A Connecticut Employment Attorney?
A Connecticut employment lawyer can help you to structure a case for discrimination against your employer, file a claim for wages, assert your claim for wrongful termination and make sure that you have a valid claim so you do not waste valuable time and resources on a frivolous case. In addition, a Connecticut employment attorney can help you understand the interaction between the state and federal laws that form the backbone of Connecticut employment law, an association that must be meticulously researched for success in a Connecticut employment law case.
Wrongful termination claims may be particularly complicated and difficult for a former employee to file because they require worker interaction with his or her old employer. In this situation, the assistance of a Connecticut wrongful termination attorney can be quite helpful, as a wrongful termination lawyer can communicate with the employer. A lawyer in wrongful termination can provide insight into the best way for the employee to recover on his or her wrongful termination claim. In addition, if you seek to submit an employment-related claim with the Connecticut Department of Labor, it is in your best interest to have a Connecticut employment lawyer at your side, to ensure that you meet filing deadlines and follow the correct procedures.
Wrongful Termination in Connecticut
Connecticut employment is "at will," meaning that an employer may terminate a worker's employer whenever he sees fit, and for no reason or any reason so long as the reason is not illegal. Workers who have employment contracts can only be fired for reasons specified in their contracts, which is why all employment contracts should be discussed with a Connecticut employment attorney.
In Connecticut, wrongful termination claims may be filed if the employee's discharge is against public policy (i.e., illegal), or if the employer agreed not to fire the worker without just cause. The following are reasons to fire a Connecticut employee that are illegal:
Questions about Connecticut wrongful termination policies and procedures should be directed at a Connecticut workers' compensation lawyer.
A case for wrongful termination may be made if an employee is terminated by his employer for a discriminatory reason. According to both federal and state law, discrimination is prohibited in employment if the person is otherwise qualified for a job, but is either not hired or is terminated because, for example, he is disabled or is over age 40. Pregnancy also many not be the reason for termination of an employee if it is viewed as a disability. Race, sex, national origin and/or race are other unlawful grounds for termination. Seek advice from a Connecticut wrongful termination lawyer if you believe you have a case for wrongful termination against your former employer.
Employee Wage/Hour Concerns in Connecticut
Working overtime in Connecticut is defined as any hours over 40 worked per week. Workers who work overtime are entitled to pay at time-and-a-half their normal wage for all hours worked over 40 a week. Overtime pay is required by Connecticut state law and by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, which is enforced by the United States Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. Consult a Connecticut employment attorney about your wage or overtime claim, and submit the claim to the Connecticut Department of Labor, Division of Workplace Standards Division.
The minimum wage in Connecticut is $8.25 an hour, and has been since January 1, 2010. This is higher than the federal minimum wage, which is $7.25 an hour. In Connecticut, employees must be paid weekly and have established regular paydays. You should speak with a Connecticut employment attorney if your employer has not paid you enough or at all and you need to file a Wage Claim. Wage Claim submissions to the Connecticut Department of Labor, Wage and Workplace Standards Division, should be discussed with a Connecticut employment lawyer.
Connecticut Employment Benefits
In Connecticut, employers can give their workers benefits such as health insurance, paid sick leave, paid vacation days and life insurance, but Connecticut law does not require that they do so. However, Connecticut law does mandate that an employer give his workers a 30 minute meal break if they have worked for 7 ½ or more consecutive hours. A Connecticut employer need not provide other rest breaks to his or her workers.
Connecticut disability law does not require short term disability for employees who are not injured on-the-job or who do not develop occupational illnesses. However, expectant mothers may receive up to 16 weeks of paid maternity leave. On a federal level, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) mandates 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave be provided.
As previously mentioned, Connecticut disability law does not require that short term disability be provided for employees who are injured or become ill because of circumstances that are unrelated to their jobs. But, workers who are injured in workplace accidents or who develop occupational diseases will be compensated in an amount that depends on how their work-related disabilities are classified. Discuss your workplace injury or disease with a Connecticut workers' compensation lawyer.
Connecticut Employment and Labor Law Statutes
General Statutes of Connecticut
|
|