CT HB05071

Changes wage underpayment claims from permissive ("may") to mandatory ("shall") recovery rights for employees and labor organizations in civil actions.

Allows employees to recover either (1) twice the full amount of unpaid wages with attorney's fees, or (2) the full amount of unpaid wages with attorney's fees if the employer had a good faith belief the underpayment complied with law.

Expands the Labor Commissioner's authority to collect unpaid wages, overtime, arbitration awards, and employee welfare fund payments, plus interest calculated from the date wages should have been paid.

Authorizes the Labor Commissioner to pursue legal action to recover twice the full amount of unpaid wages with costs and attorney's fees.

Effective date of October 1, 2014, amending sections 31-72 and 31-68 of the general statutes.