FAQs For Employers

Division of Wage & Workplace Standards
FAQs for Employers

Last Updated: June 03, 2009

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1. What is the minimum wage?: Effective January 1, 2009, the minimum wage increased to $8.00 per hour. For minors working in agriculture or government, it is 85% of minimum wage, and for minors working in other industries, it is 85% for the first 200 hours. This is covered in Section 31-58 and Section 31-58a of the CT State Statutes.
2. What is the minimum wage for waiters and waitresses?: The minimum wage for waiters and waitresses is the current minimum wage less 31% for tips. Therefore, effective January 1, 2009 the minimum wage for waiters and waitresses is $5.52 per hour which is calculated in the following manner:

31% of $8.00 is $2.48; $8.00 minus $2.48 equals $5.52 per hour.

IMPORTANT NOTE: All state and federal taxes are required to be paid based on the higher amount (gross wages -- in the above scenario it would be based on $8.00 per hour).
3. When is an employer required to pay overtime?: After 40 hours of actual work in the same work week. It is calculated at one and one-half times the employee's regular rate of pay. This is covered under the CT State Statutes in the following sections:

Section 31-76b

Section 31-76c

Section 31-76i
4. Is the employee due overtime after working 8 hours in a day, or on a Sunday, or on a holiday?: No, unless by employment agreement.
5. What is an exempt/non-exempt employee for the purposes of wage and hour laws?: Please see the "Exempt/Non-Exempt Employees for the Purposes of Wage and Hour Laws" page for more information.
6. Does paying an employee by salary exempt them from overtime and record-keeping requirements?: No, the employee must meet the definition of an executive, administrative, or professional employee as defined by the Labor Commissioner. The employee must meet both a duties test and salary test. (see Section 31-60-14,15,16 of the Administrative Regulations).
7. Is an employer required to provide a break?: Connecticut state law does not require an employer to provide a break. However, state law does require the employer to provide a meal period after the employee has worked 7½ or more consecutive hours. Meal period requirements are covered under 31-51ii of the Conn. State Statutes.
8. Is the employer required to provide a meal period?: The employer must provide a meal period of at least 30 consecutive minutes if the employee has worked for 7½ or more consecutive hours. However, the Labor Commissioner will exempt the employer from this requirement if one of the following conditions is present:
a. complying with this requirement would endanger public safety;
b. the duties of the position can only be performed by one employee;
c. the employer employs less than 5 employees on that shift at that one business location (this only applies to that particular shift); or,
d. the employer's operation requires that employees be available to respond to urgent conditions, and that the employees are compensated for the meal period.

Meal period requirements are covered under 31-51ii of the Conn. State Statutes
9. Does an employer have to provide vacation pay, sick pay or holiday pay?: No. These are fringe benefits provided at the discretion of the employer. They are not required by law.
10. Can an employer cut an employee's pay, reduce the employee's hours or benefits, or change the employee's job duties?: Yes, as long as the employee is notified in advance of the pay period and in writing. This is covered in the CT General Statute Section 31-71f.
11. If an employee owes the employer money, or the employer wishes to deduct from wages for employee errors, can wages be withheld?: No, an employer may not withhold or divert wages unless provided specifically by law. This is covered in CT General Statute Section 31-71e.
12. How does an employer receive permission to deduct from wages for specific reasons?: The employer can submit a sample deduction form to the Wage and Workplace Standards Division for consideration. Typical deductions are for employee loans or purchases, credit union, uniforms, and advances on fringe benefits.
13. When must an employer pay wages upon termination?: If discharged, next business day. If laid off or quit, next regular pay day.
14. May an employer pay employees other than weekly?: Although State law requires a weekly pay within 8 days of the end of the pay period, an employer may write the Wage and Workplace Standards Division for a waiver of this, with the conditions stated in CT General Statutes Section 31-71i.
15. How does an employer obtain a waiver from the weekly pay requirement?: A letter should be sent to the Director of the Wage and Workplace Standards Division describing the reason for the change and the desired frequency. Most requests are for a bi-weekly payroll. Thirty days notice should be given to employees affected by the change.
16. What records must an employer retain?: Please see the "Records to be Retained by Employers" page for more information.
17. May an employer keep records outside the place of employment?: Permission can be granted after a request is submitted to the Wage and Workplace Standards Division.
18. Is there a sub-minimum rate that applies to minors in Connecticut?: Yes. Minors in Connecticut may be paid 85% of Connecticut's minimum wage for the first 200 hours of employment in any industry or occupation.
19. What may an employee between the ages of 16 and 18 who has worked less than 200 hours and less than 90 days be paid?: Since the higher standard applies, a minor employee must be paid at least the $6.80 per hour (85% of the current minimum wage of $8.00 per hour).
20. Is there an employers' checklist for the employment of minors in Connecticut?: Yes. Please see the "Employers' Checklist for Employment of Minors" page for more information.
21. Are there any exemptions to the child labor laws?: Exemptions may be found on the "Exemptions from Child Labor Laws" page.