The General Assembly passed “An Act Protecting Employee Freedom of Speech and Conscience,” allowing employees to refuse to be subjected to political and religious messaging from their employers. The bill is expected to be signed by Governor Lamont. The legislation provides that employers may not discipline, discharge, or threaten to discipline or discharge any employee […]
Juneteenth is slated to become a state holiday in Connecticut starting in 2023. Although prior efforts had failed, the General Assembly recently passed a bill to elevate Juneteenth from a commemorative day to a state holiday. Support was nearly unanimous, with the bill passing in the House by a vote of 148-1 and in the […]
In an effort to remove clouds of secrecy that may surround sexual misconduct claims, Congress recently passed the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act (“the Act”). Arbitration is typically a confidential process, while court proceedings are public. To bring more sexual misconduct claims into public forums, this Act amends the Federal […]
Governor Lamont announced a plan to end the statewide mask mandate for schools and childcare centers in Connecticut effective February 28, 2022. The plan places the decision whether to require masks in schools and childcare centers with local authorities. With Governor Lamont’s emergency powers set to expire on February 15, 2022, the governor reached an […]
Reminder – Connecticut employers must begin paying $13 per hour to their employees, effective August 1, 2021. For hotel and restaurant employees who normally receive sufficient gratuities, the employer must pay at least $6.38 per hour ($8.23 for bartenders) under the new minimum wage, but the employee must still make at least $13 per hour […]
On June 16, 2021, President Biden signed legislation recognizing Juneteenth as a federal public holiday. This advisory explains what Connecticut employers need to know about Juneteenth and its observance. What is Juneteenth? Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas received word that they […]
