The Employment division of this Section defends all state agencies in all branches of government, including the state Universities, and state officials in employment related litigation and administrative complaints and provides legal advice and guidance to state agencies on employment issues. We are currently defending the state in numerous employment cases in the state and federal courts, as well before the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission
The Workers' Compensation division of this Section represents the State Treasurer as the Custodian of the Second Injury Fund program in cases involving potential liability of the Fund for workers' compensation benefits and the Department of Administrative Services in its capacity as the administrator of the state employees' workers' compensation program in contested workers' compensation claims filed by state employees. We are currently defending the Second Injury Fund and the state in numerous workers’ compensation cases before the Workers’ Compensation Commission and in the Connecticut Superior and Appellate Courts.
The Labor division of this Section represents various state agencies before administrative bodies such as the Freedom of Information Commission and the Claims Commissioner, and represents the State in Superior Court when administrative appeals are taken from entities such as the Employees’ Review Board and the Employment Security Appeals Division. The Labor division represents the state when arbitral decisions are challenged in court and also represents the Commissioner of Labor in wage and hour collection proceedings involving private sector employers who failed to pay their employees properly. We are currently involved in both defensive and affirmative litigation involving labor matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Employment Division
Does the Employment Division of the Office of the Attorney General represent employees of private companies in grievances, litigation, or other employment-related disputes brought by an employee against their employer?
No. The Employment Division of the Office of the Attorney General only defends the state, its agencies, and officers in employment disputes. However, private employees seeking to obtain more information about their rights under the State’s employments laws can learn more here:
- The Connecticut Department of Labor Employee Support Webpage
- The Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities Resources Webpage
Does the Employment Division of the Office of the Attorney General represent state employees in grievances, litigation, or other employment-related disputes brought by an employee against the state or a state agency?
No. The Employment Division of the Office of the Attorney General only defends the state, Its agencies, and officers in employment disputes. However, state employees seeking to obtain more information about their rights under the State’s employments laws can learn more here:
- The Connecticut Department of Labor Employee Support Webpage
- The Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities Resources Webpage
Does the Employment Division of the Office of the Attorney General investigate employment related complaints filed by members of the public against their employer?
No. The Employment Division of the Office of the Attorney General does not conduct investigations into complaints lodged against employers. Individuals wishing to file a complaint concerning their employment can learn more about their rights and the options available here:
- The Connecticut Department of Labor Employee Support Webpage
- The Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities Resources Webpage
Useful Links
If you are looking for information regarding a complaint involving your private employer, you can seek assistance at the Department of Labor's website.
If you believe that you have been harassed or that you have been unfairly treated by your employer and believe that your Civil Rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities ("CHRO"). If you want to contact someone at that agency, they can be reached at (860) 541-3400 or visit the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities Website.
Workers’ Compensation Division
How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim?
Generally, you have a year from the date of injury or accident to file a claim, in writing, with the Workers Compensation Commission or 3 years from the first sign / symptom of an occupational disease. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-294c.
What is a voluntary agreement in Workers’ Compensation?
A voluntary agreement is a form provided by the workers’ compensation commission. The form/agreement must be approved by the Workers’ Compensation Commission and states the following:
i. that the employer agrees that a work injury did occur (describing the place & nature)
ii. the average weekly wages of the employee one year before the injury
iii. what the employee will be paid weekly for the injury or while out of work because of the injury.
The Workers’ compensation Commission keeps the original agreement for its records and copies are provider to the employee and the employer. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-296.
Can the Attorney General’s Office represent me in my workers’ compensation claim?
The Attorney General’s Office cannot represent any individual in a private dispute. The Attorney General’s Office is the attorney for the State in claims against the State. In workers’ compensation claims, the Attorney General’s Office is the attorney for State as the employer and the Second Injury Fund.
What is the Second Injury Fund?
The Second Injury Fund pays workers’ compensation benefits primarily when an employer fails to pay an injured employee or when the employer failed to purchase workers’ compensation insurance. The Second Injury Fund also pay benefits to an injured workers when an injured employee has more than one job. The Second Injury Fund will pay money to the employee based on the money the employee was paid from the job where the injury did not occur.
Where Can I Learn More About Filing A Workers’ Compensation Claim?
You can learn more about how to file a workers’ compensation claim here.
How do I file a complaint if my employer has not paid me properly?
A complaint for wage violations may be submitted electronically to the Connecticut Department of Labor, Wage & Workplace Standards Division. For more information, please visit: Wage and Workplace Standards.
Does the Labor Unit of the Office of the Attorney General represent individual employees of private companies in court for unpaid wages?
No. The Labor Unit represents the Commissioner of Labor should the Commissioner bring a lawsuit pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 31-72.
Does the Labor Unit of the Office of the Attorney General represent state employees in grievances, litigation, or other labor-related disputes brought by an employee against the state or a state agency?
No. The Labor Unit of the Office of the Attorney General only defends the state, its agencies, boards and officers in labor disputes involving union and non-union state employees.
If I lose my job, how do I file for Unemployment Compensation Benefits?
A claim for UC benefits may be made to the Connecticut Department of Labor. For more information, please visit: Unemployment Insurance Benefits and A Guide to Collecting Benefits in Connecticut.
Does the Office of the Attorney General represent me if I appeal a denial of Unemployment Compensation Benefits to court?
No, the Office of the Attorney General represents the Administrator, Unemployment Compensation Act, who is the Commissioner of Labor.
What do I do if I need to take leave from my job due to a family medical situation?
Connecticut offers three separate leave programs to assist eligible workers—CT Paid Sick Leave, CT Family & Medical Leave and CT Paid Leave. For more information, please visit Connecticut Leave Programs.