Connecticut has put in place strong legal protections to prevent discrimination in employment and has created remedies for workers who believe they have been victims of employers violating those laws. These protections include laws against treating employees differently because of their age.
Connecticut's anti-age discrimination provisions are found in the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act (CFEPA). The statute is triggered when an individual is treated unfairly or subjected to negative employment decisions because of their age, especially when they are 40 years old or older.
The CFEPA closely aligns with the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) However, the CFEPA goes a step further by applying its protections to individuals who work for private companies with fewer than 20 employees. The ADEA applies to private companies only if they have at least 20 workers.
Here are the key provisions of Connecticut's statute:
Age discrimination prohibited — The law applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, promotions, pay, benefits and other terms and conditions.
Age-related harassment banned — The law provides for maintaining a work environment free from derogatory comments, insults or other offensive conduct related to employees’ ages.
Equal treatment required — Employers are required to provide equal opportunities and equal treatment to employees of all ages.
Retaliation prohibited — The law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who assert their rights under the law or file age discrimination complaints.
Reasonable accommodations required — Employers are obligated to provide suitable work arrangements for employees or job applicants with disabilities related to their age, just as for any other form of disability.
In addition, the Connecticut antidiscrimination statute has been revised, effective July 1, 2023, to add age as a protected characteristic. It is now a discriminatory practice to use age as a reason to deprive someone, or cause someone to be deprived, of “of any rights, privileges or immunities, secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of this state or of the United States.” Violation of the statute is a crime punishable by a minimum fine of $1,000.
Individuals who believe they have been victims of age discrimination in Connecticut have several options for seeking remedies. They can file a complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO), which will conduct an investigation. If age discrimination is found, the CHRO can order the employer to cease the discriminatory practices, award damages to the complainant and take other corrective actions.
In cases where the CHRO does not take action or where the complainant wishes to pursue the matter further, they can file a civil lawsuit in state court with the assistance of an experienced employment law attorney. Remedies in such lawsuits may include back pay, front pay, compensatory damages and attorneys' fees.
Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. in East Haven or Hamden represents employees in discrimination claims and other Connecticut employment law matters. To set up a meeting with one our attorneys, please call 203-745-0942 or contact us online.
Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. is located in Hamden, CT and serves clients in and around North Haven, Hamden, Waterbury, Bethany, Milford, Wallingford, Prospect, Woodbridge, Northford, Madison, Beacon Falls, Branford, Cheshire, North Branford, East Haven, Naugatuck, Meriden, Ansonia and New Haven County.
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