The state Department of Labor said Wednesday it has joined a six-state alliance intended to strengthen worker protections and improve labor law enforcement across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions.
The reciprocity agreement allows states participating in the alliance to share data, intelligence and investigative resources to address violations, such as wage theft, employee misclassification and other practices that undermine workers and law-abiding businesses.
In addition to Connecticut, the partnership includes labor agencies from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The coalition builds on a tri-state agreement formed in 2019 by Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
New Jersey Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo said the collaboration gives states greater reach to combat violations that often cross state borders.
Connecticut Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo said joining the alliance will help prevent employers who break the law from simply relocating to avoid enforcement.
Officials said the agreement establishes a framework for ongoing cooperation as labor markets evolve, allowing states to adapt to new challenges, including remote work, complex subcontracting arrangements and multistate employers.
