Laws Set in Place to Help Latino Workers in the Workplace (IN CT)

Workers in Connecticut, including Latino workers, are encouraged to be aware of their rights under these laws. If they believe their rights have been violated, they can file complaints with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for federal-level complaints

• The Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act (CFEPA): This state laws prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, sex and disability. This includes discrimination against individuals to be part of a protected class. 

• Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) prohibits discrimination based on citizenship status.

• Language Access: Connecticut's labor laws adhere to federal standards prohibiting language-based discrimination. Employers may be required to provide language assistance or accommodations to employees with limited English proficiency under federal laws.

Federal and State Laws Impacting Latino Workers 

This section provides an in-depth examination of the influence of federal labor laws on Latinx workers in the United States. It focuses on key legislation, including the Fair Labor Standards Act, the National Labor Relations Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act, shedding light on their historical significance and their effects on the rights and working conditions of Latinx workers throughout American history. 

1. Fair Labor Standards Act = Enacted in 1938, this federal labor legislation sets forth the rights to a minimum wage, establishes child labor regulations, and grants the entitlement to overtime compensation. However, the Fair Labor Standards Act notably omits farm and domestic workers from key provisions.

2. National Labor Relations Act = Introduced in 1939, this legislation provides workers the right to assemble, establish, and affiliate with unions, while also allowing them to engage in fair negotiations with employers. Yet, agricultural workers, domestic workers, and independent contractors are not afforded these rights under the law.

3. Occupational Safety and Health Act = Established in 1970 to assure safe and healthful working conditions by authorizing enforcement of the act. Workers in private households are excluded from the standard and retaliation from the act.