Connecticut continues to lead the region in raising workplace standards. As of January 1, 2025, the state's minimum wage increased to $16.35 per hour. But fair pay means nothing without enforcement. That's why Connecticut also backs workers with strong wage theft protection laws. If you work in Connecticut and your paycheck doesn’t add up, you may have more rights than you realize.

Minimum Wage Increase 2025: What It Means for You

Effective January 1, 2025, the basic minimum wage in Connecticut rose to $16.35 per hour. This increase follows a series of scheduled hikes that began in 2019. Tipped workers in service industries may still receive a lower base rate, but employers must make up the difference if tips don’t bring their pay to at least $16.35 per hour.

Connecticut law also requires overtime pay at time and a half for hours worked beyond 40 in a week. For employees working in restaurants or hotel restaurants, the law goes a step further. If you work seven days in a row, your employer must pay time and a half for that seventh consecutive day—even if you didn’t work over 40 hours that week.

These rules aren’t optional. If your employer fails to pay the correct minimum wage or skips premium pay when required, that’s a violation of Connecticut wage payment law.

What Is Wage Theft?

Wage theft happens when an employer fails to pay workers the full wages they’ve earned. It can take many forms: unpaid overtime, failure to pay minimum wage, forcing employees to work off the clock, or illegally withholding tips. Some cases involve clear violations, while others result from subtle policies that undercut a worker’s take-home pay.

In Connecticut, wage theft is treated seriously. The state allows employees to recover not only the unpaid wages, but also double damages and attorney’s fees in many cases.

Corporate wage theft is especially harmful. When large companies cut corners on labor costs, it can affect hundreds or thousands of workers at once. These employers often rely on workers not knowing their rights or being afraid to come forward. But Connecticut employment laws give you a path to fight back.

Wage theft doesn’t always look like outright theft. It often hides in everyday policies and routines. Here are a few real-world examples:

• Restaurant worker asked to tip out the manager: Tip pooling can be legal—but only when tips stay with employees. If a manager or owner takes a share, that violates Connecticut wage laws.
• Hourly worker misclassified as salaried: Just because your job is labeled “salaried” doesn’t mean you’re exempt from overtime pay. Many workers are misclassified to save the company money, especially in administrative, retail, and tech roles.
• Retail worker expected to clock out and keep working: If you’re asked to finish cleaning, handle inventory, or close registers after clocking out, your employer is stealing your time and your pay.

What You Can Do If You Suspect Wage Theft

You have the right to demand your unpaid wages and report violations without fear of retaliation. State law prohibits employers from punishing or firing you for asserting your rights under Connecticut wage payment law.

Retaliation isn’t always obvious. It can many forms, including:

• Reducing your hours after you complain about pay
• Assigning you less favorable shifts or job duties
• Denying promotions or raises you previously qualified for
• Giving false negative performance reviews
• Isolating you from coworkers or withholding communication
• Terminating you under a pretext shortly after you assert your rights

You can file a complaint with the Connecticut Department of Labor. However, that process can take time and often ends in modest settlements. For many workers, contacting wage theft attorneys is the most effective way to recover what they’re owed and hold employers accountable.

At Madsen, Prestley & Parenteau, we help workers across Connecticut fight wage theft. That includes workers in restaurants, hospitality, retail, warehouses, offices, and construction. Whether you’re dealing with unpaid overtime, stolen tips, or misclassification, we can help you assess your options and take action.

Talk to a Connecticut Wage Theft Attorney

Wage theft is more common than many people realize. But you don’t have to accept it. If you suspect your employer has failed to pay you fairly under Connecticut employment laws, get in touch.

At Madsen, Prestley & Parenteau, LLC, we have a long history of standing up for Connecticut workers. We can help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and fight for the wages you earned.

Contact the legal team at Madsen, Prestley & Parenteau, LLC to learn more. Call us at 860-246-2466, contact us in person or online at Madsen, Prestley & Parenteau, today to discuss your situation and find out how we can help.