HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Legislation that attempts to protect immigrant workers from abuses, such as stolen wages, is moving through the Connecticut General Assembly.
The Senate on Thursday voted unanimously in favor of the bill, which imposes a so-called “double damages” award in civil actions against employers who fail to pay their employees for earned wages and other compensation.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for final legislative action.
Sen. Cathy Osten, a Democrat from Sprague, said there are an estimated 42,000 domestic service workers in Connecticut who are employed as nannies, housekeepers and in other jobs. She said many are immigrants who may be permanent residents or work on visas.
She said they’ve been threatened with calls to the police and immigration officials if they complain about their working conditions.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.