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Connecticut Back Wages

January 26th, 2007 Posted by Amelia

The Connecticut Department of Labor recently recovered nearly $1.7 million in back wages from an unlikely source – a contractor for the University of Connecticut, affectionately known as UConn, on and off the basketball court. The state’s Wage and Workplace Standards Division secured nearly $1.7 million in back wages and benefits for approximately 350 cleaning service employees who provide janitorial services to the University of Connecticut campuses.

Back wages were collected for a period ranging from Oct. 1, 2003 to June 30, 2005, are a result of the increase in the federal standard wage that the University is required to pay its service workers. Apparently, the University assumed that it could sidestep the law by hiring contract cleaners – at a lower rate – through an employment service.

According to State Labor Commissioner Patricia H. Mayfield, the settlement reflects one of the largest single recoveries of back wages in the history of the state’s Wage and Workplace Standards Division. Working closely with the cleaning company, UConn, and with legal assistance from the Attorney General’s Office, agents from the Labor Department determined that workers were entitled to $1.2 million in back wages while an additional $500,000 was owed for increased benefits and payroll taxes that resulted from higher wage brackets.

Each custodial employee received back wages ranging from $2,100 to $6,780. “I am extremely pleased that the Labor Department, the University and the Attorney General’s office were able to work as a team to ensure a positive outcome for the employees of the cleaning company,” said Governor M. Jodi Rell. “As a result of their diligence, the owed wages are being provided to employees. I commend everyone involved for their dedication in ensuring that our state laws are being followed and that employees are paid the wages they deserve. It is a good feeling to know that these checks will help families and individuals have an even happier new year.”