WETHERSFIELD, July 31, 2013 – Connecticut business owners looking to obtain posters addressing a variety of workplace issues for display in their workplace are reminded that many of these items are available at no charge from the Connecticut Department of Labor.
“The agency has heard of instances where individuals or companies attempt to sell posters that can be obtained at no cost from our agency,” noted State Labor Commissioner Sharon M. Palmer. “These materials, which employers are required to post for all employees to view, address minimum wage and unemployment compensation laws, Family Medical Leave Act, and safety and health regulations.”
Palmer noted that small business owners are often unaware that they don’t need to purchase state and federal posters, adding that employers are welcome to contact the agency or visit the agency website for a full listing of required posters and regulations.
“Unfortunately, there will always be a small percentage of people trying to take advantage of others, and our goal is to support Connecticut’s workers and employers by making sure these posters can be easily obtained. By ensuring our residents are knowledgeable about workplace rules and responsibilities, we are helping employers comply with state and federal regulations and alerting workers to their rights and responsibilities.”
According to Palmer, a comprehensive list of available posters and postings can be found by visiting the agency’s website at www.ct.gov/dol and then typing “free posters” in the search box. The site also provides contact numbers for ordering related materials from other agencies, such as workers’ compensation laws and electronic monitoring guidelines. Postings can be obtained by sending a written request to the Connecticut Department of Labor’s Wage and Workplace Standards Division, 200 Folly Brook Boulevard, CT, 06109 or by calling the unit at 860-263‐6790.
“We know of cases in which individuals were reproducing a variety of state and federal posters, laminating them, and selling them,” said Gary K. Pechie, Director of Wage and Workplace Standards Division. “When contacting Wage and Workplace Standards to request any materials, please make sure to provide a company name and address, Federal Identification Number, and Unemployment Registration Number.”