CT HB05080

Applies to retail businesses with at least 5,000 square feet where the principal activity is selling goods, operating with at least five employees, effective October 1, 2015.

Requires employers to either allow employees to decline working on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day without penalty, or provide enhanced compensation.

Compensation options include paying 2.5 times the regular rate for holiday work, or paying 1.5 times the regular rate plus granting future paid leave equal to hours worked on the holiday.

Employees may file complaints with the Labor Commissioner; violations result in civil penalties up to $100 per violation and potential awards for back wages and other appropriate relief.

Decisions by the Labor Commissioner may be appealed to Superior Court under chapter 54 of the general statutes.