Labor and Public Employees Committee February 24th Public Hearing [Source] Translate

State Senator Julie Kushner, co-chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee, opened the public hearing, highlighting the busy schedule due to recent snowstorms. Commissioner Dante Bartolomeo of the Connecticut Department of Labor presented several bills: 1. **SB 271**: Aims to streamline the unemployment insurance claims process by easing medical form requirements and allowing negotiations with reimbursing employers. It also proposes aligning work hour regulations with existing workplace standards. 2. **SB 268**: Authorizes the comptroller to withhold payments for violations of prevailing wage laws, enhancing compliance among employers on public works projects. 3. **HB 2580**: Seeks to reinstate a provision for non-charge to employers participating in a shared work program, which helps retain employees during downturns. 4. **HB 5276**: Clarifies Connecticut OSHA's jurisdiction over volunteer fire departments and ambulance companies, addressing a court ruling that limited their coverage. The Commissioner emphasized the need for health and safety protections for these volunteers. Senator Kushner and committee members raised concerns about the unemployment insurance department's challenges, particularly long wait times for claims processing. Commissioner Bartolomeo attributed these delays to chronic underfunding and recent federal funding cuts, which have severely impacted staffing and service levels. He noted the emotional and financial toll on individuals waiting for benefits and the agency's efforts to address these issues. The meeting also discussed the Wage and Hour Division's progress in hiring inspectors, though the pace of investigations needs improvement. Technology enhancements were identified as a potential area for improvement, but staffing constraints complicate the process. Legislative proposals were discussed, including SB 271, which involves reducing union financial report requirements. The Commissioner clarified that the proposal was a response to agency criticism rather than initiated by unions. Representative Shaik inquired about technology to assist with unemployment claims, particularly automated decision-making systems. The Commissioner explained that current laws require manual decision-making but are exploring technology to enhance call center operations. The meeting addressed challenges faced by volunteer firefighters regarding safety and oversight, with the Commissioner highlighting the need for better training and equipment. Senator Winfield raised a specific case involving a state employee with cancer struggling to secure disability retirement, urging the committee to consider solutions. Representative Santos supported HB 5275, addressing contractor responsibility for unpaid wages in construction contracts, while Representative Rochelle testified in support of HB 5279, concerning coverage for post-traumatic stress injury for workers. The meeting included testimonies from various individuals, including a veteran and former police officer discussing challenges with disability retirement benefits, and Ed Hawthorne from the Connecticut AFL-CIO advocating for several bills related to worker protections. Frank Ricci from the Yankee Institute opposed amendments to SB 271, arguing they would weaken financial reporting requirements for unions. He suggested strengthening enforcement instead. Brooke Foley from the Insurance Association of Connecticut opposed HB 5279, citing concerns about increased costs for employers. The meeting concluded with discussions on wage theft in the construction industry, emphasizing the need for accountability and support for workers. Several speakers shared personal experiences of wage theft, highlighting the financial burden on workers and the need for legislative action to protect their rights. The committee agreed to seek further data on the impact of wage theft laws on construction costs, and the next meeting was scheduled for the following week.