The Labor & Public Employees Committee held a public hearing on February 6, 2025, focusing on critical issues affecting workers in Connecticut, particularly concerning wage theft and the need for increased labor protections.

The meeting began with personal testimonies highlighting the struggles faced by low-wage workers. One speaker shared her harrowing experience of labor exploitation as a young immigrant, emphasizing the urgent need for the Connecticut Department of Labor to increase the number of wage theft investigators. She advocated for legislative changes to ensure that workers receive fair wages and work in safe environments, stating, "We all deserve to work and live in safety and dignity."

Following this testimony, Norma Martinez Hosang, director of Connecticut for All, presented her support for two key pieces of legislation: HB 6843, which aims to increase the number of wage and hour inspectors in the labor department, and SB 1221, which seeks to enhance the Connecticut retirement security program. Martinez Hosang highlighted the coalition's commitment to fighting against wage theft, which disproportionately affects vulnerable workers in domestic, restaurant, construction, and agricultural sectors. She noted that in 2022, the Department of Labor recovered $3.4 million for workers affected by wage theft, underscoring the importance of adequate staffing to address the backlog of claims, which can take up to 10 months to resolve.

The committee members expressed appreciation for the testimonies, recognizing the importance of addressing wage theft and ensuring that all workers, regardless of their employment status, are treated with dignity and respect. The discussions underscored a collective commitment to improving labor conditions and protecting the rights of workers in Connecticut.

As the meeting concluded, the committee acknowledged the need for further action and collaboration to implement the proposed changes, aiming to create a more equitable work environment for all residents.