Press Releases
08/31/2017
Gov. Malloy: Connecticut Labor Department Recovers $8.9 Million in Owed Wages for Workers
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) has recovered a record $8.9 million in unpaid wages for Connecticut workers during the fiscal year that ended June 30. This represents an increase of $1.8 million from the previous year.
“Our working women and men are the backbone of this state, so we must ensure that they are paid for the jobs that they do and receive the wages they have earned,” Governor Malloy said. “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 strength of our state. I commend the Labor Department and Commissioner Jackson for their commitment to ensuring workplace safety through education as well as enforcement. While we want our residents to be paid properly for the work they do, information and outreach is vital in helping employers gain a better understanding of federal and state laws.”
A total of $8,907,321.37 was returned to workers, which includes nearly $2.4 million recovered by wage enforcement staff responding to complaints that owed wages had not been paid and more than $1.9 million provided to employees that did not receive the required minimum wage or overtime. Another $3.1 million was recovered for employees when it was determined workers were paid incorrect amounts while working at public contract construction sites and approximately $1.3 million was provided to workers though the division’s “rapid response” efforts for time-sensitive situations such as business closings.
“I thank Commissioner Jackson and the Labor Department for protecting Connecticut workers and our economy,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. “When the fundamental promise between an employer and employee is broken, it damages worker’s financial security as well as morale. The department’s work to recover these wages contributes to both the economy and the workforce’s drive to remain engaged in the economy.”
“The 8.9 million recovered 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,” CTDOL Commissioner Scott D. Jackson said. “In addition to wage recovery efforts, the unit helped to ensure the safety of the workplace by citing employers that were placing minors in hazardous employment or had no worker’s compensation coverage and providing the tools to help an employer operate a safer workplace in the future.”
A breakdown of the wages recovered in fiscal year 2016-17 under General Statutes Title 31, Chapter 557, Part III, and Chapter 558 included:
- Wage and Hour Enforcement: $1,889,840,82 to 1,792 employees
- Wage Enforcement: $2,463,964.50 to 1,385 employees
- Public Contract Compliance: $3,182,160.20 to 665 employees
- Rapid Response Activities: $1,360,908.59 to 1,503 employees
- Service Contract Compliance: $10,447.26 to nine employees
- Total wages recovered: $8,907,321.37
Employers and workers can visit CTDOL’s website at www.ct.gov/dol and select the “Wage Laws and Workplace Safety” box for information about their rights and responsibilities. The agency’s website also contains information about employment programs, apprenticeship opportunities, services for veterans, and free safety consultations for employers.
- Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice
- Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy