In Connecticut, minimum wage is currently $10.10 an hour. However, localities across the country, including Connecticut’s neighbor New York City, have rapidly been increasing the minimum wage to $15.00 an hour. In fact, this has been a movement sweeping the nation for years. Taking notice, employers in Connecticut are beginning to voluntarily take action, unprompted by the legislature, to increase their minimum wage.
Hartford HealthCare (“HHC”) recently announced it will raise its minimum wage to $15 an hour in March 2019. Of the approximately 20,000 employees HHC employs, 2,400 will benefit from this increase. It remains to be seen if other employers in Connecticut will follow.
The legislature, however, is likely to take notice. After the last election, the legislature is overwhelmingly Democratic – a party which historically passes employee friendly legislation. An increase in the minimum wage is just the sort of law which is likely for them to take up. Therefore, employers should closely monitor the news from Hartford as minimum wage in Connecticut may soon be on the upswing.
Brody and Associates regularly advises management on complying with state and federal employment laws including wage and hour laws. If we can be of assistance in this area, please contact us at info@brodyandassociates.com or 203.454.0560.
