Workplace Issues
CWEALF pioneered Connecticut's battle for workplace equity. If you feel you are being discriminated against or harassed at work, call one of our experienced advocates. CWEALF's advocates will help you understand your rights and explain your options.
You can contact CWEALF's I&R service online or by calling 860-524-0601 in the Greater Hartford Area or toll-free at 800-479-2949. CWEALF's I&R line is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
To meet an advocate in person at one of our partner agencies in the Greater Hartford area, call 860-247-6090 to schedule an appointment.
- Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
- Women, Work and Sex Discrimination
- Family and Medical Leave in CT
- How to Choose an Attorney
FAQ
Family and Medical Leave in CT
What is pregnancy leave?
Pregnancy leave is an unpaid leave of absence for a reasonable length of time for the disability resulting from pregnancy or childbirth. Generally, the amount of time off considered reasonable is six to eight weeks. But this can vary depending on your condition.
Can I get paid while I'm out on leave?
All of the state and federal laws provide for unpaid leave. However, an employer can adopt a policy requiring you to take any of your unused sick time or vacation time during the leave period. Once you run out of sick or vacation time, the rest of the leave will be unpaid.
Do my health insurance benefits continue during my family or medical leave?
Under the federal law only, all employers are required to continue group health plan benefits for employees on family or medical leave – your insurance coverage must continue up to twelve weeks.
Does my employer have to give me my job back?
Yes. When you return you must be given the original job you held or a similar job with similar pay. There are exceptions if a private company can show that circumstances have changed so much that it would be impossible for them to hire you back or place you in the same or similar position.
- For the birth or adoption of a child
- To care for a very ill child, spouse, or parent
- For your own serious illness
What is Family and Medical Leave? Who can qualify for Family and Medical Leave?
FMLA provides both men and women rights to unpaid leave:How does one qualify for Family and Medical Leave?
Under Federal law, a private employer must have 50+ employees within a 75-mile radius and the employee must have worked 1250 hours within a 12-month period.
Under CT State law, a private employer must have 75+ employees within the State of Connecticut and the employee must have worked 1000 hours within a 12-month period.
For more information, contact CWEALF to receive our Family and Medical Leave in CT booklet.
Sexual Harassment at Work
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is a form of illegal sex discrimination. It is unwelcome sexual conduct, which affects the terms and conditions of a person's employment, or creates a hostile environment. In order for something to be considered sexual harassment, it must meet certain criteria. CWEALF's booklet on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace outlines these criteria.
- Sexual propositions accompanied by threats to your job
- Lewd comments or suggestions
- Obscene jokes or emails
- Sexual gestures
How do I know if my situation is considered sexual harassment under the law?
Sexual harassment can include:What should I do if I feel I'm being sexually harassed?
Refer to your company's sexual harassment policy and follow the procedure for filing a complaint. Keep a record of the harassment. If possible, try talking to the source of the problem or writing them a letter.
What legal action can I take if my employer does not deal with the sexual harassment?
You can file a complaint with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities within 180 days from the time you realize the discriminatory act has occurred. If you miss this deadline, you can file with the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission within 240 days.
As an employer, how do I avoid sexual harassment in the workplace?
You should develop comprehensive sexual harassment policies and an effective grievance procedure to handle cases should they arise. Your supervisors should receive training on their responsibilities.
