Connecticut’s protections for hourly workers

On Behalf of | Jun 2, 2020 | Wage & Hour |

Whether you work in a hospital, a restaurant or a retail store, hourly workers often face long shifts and extreme fatigue. As an hourly worker or as a manager of hourly workers, it’s important that you are familiar with Connecticut’s regulations for this type of work.

Wage and overtime

The minimum wage in Connecticut is on a gradual increase. As of October 2019, it is $11.00 per hour. In September 2020, it is set to raise to $12.00. In August 2021, it will be $13.00, July 2022 will be $14.00 and in June 2023 the minimum wage will be $15.00.

The minimum wage is different for tipped workers, like bartenders or restaurant servers. According to the Connecticut Department of Labor, service employees who receive a gratuity may have 31% of a tip credit taken from their wages.

Overtime regulations mandate that employers must pay one and a half times their regular hourly rate once an employee’s working time goes over 40 hours a week. However, there are exceptions when it comes to holidays, daily hours and weekends.

Meal breaks

The department of labor also requires that workers must have a thirty-minute meal break during a seven and a half hour or longer shift. The break must be taken sometimes after the first two hours and before the last two hours of work.

Employment of minors

Special regulations apply to the employment of minors. Workers under the age of 18 and enrolled in school can only work for a certain number of hours. During school weeks, minor restaurant, recreation, amusement and theatre workers may work up to 6 hours a weekday, 8 hours Friday through Sunday and 32 hours a week. They may work between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. or until midnight if it is a weekend. During non-school weeks, they can work 8 hours a day, 48 hours a week and 6 days a week.

Different restrictions apply to the different industries in which a minor may work.

If you are an hourly worker or employ hourly workers, it’s important that you know Connecticut’s laws concerning wages and hours. When you understand your rights, you will know how to advocate for yourself.

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