Connecticut joins six-state labor alliance aimed at fighting wage theft and other violations
TRENTON, N.J. — Connecticut has joined a multistate worker protection alliance with five neighboring states that will share data and intelligence to strengthen labor law enforcement, officials said.
The reciprocity agreement now includes labor agencies in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and New York. Officials said the collaboration is designed to support businesses while fortifying worker protections across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
“Through the strategic sharing of data, intelligence and resources, we are better equipped to combat violations, level the playing field for businesses and ensure workers are treated with the dignity they deserve,” said New Jersey Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “By forming a united front, we are expanding our reach beyond state lines to strengthen our capacity to enforce labor laws and enhance the economic landscape.”
“This alliance will help the Connecticut Department of Labor better protect our workforce and hold employers accountable for labor law violations,” said Connecticut Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo. “The collaboration brings strength to our collective work; with this expanded reach, we prevent bad actors from closing down operations in one state only to re-open them in another. We thank our partner states for all of their work to establish the alliance and for inviting Connecticut to participate.”
“Protecting workers and ensuring businesses play by the rules doesn’t stop at state lines,” said Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker. “Under Governor Josh Shapiro’s leadership, Pennsylvania is deeply committed to enforcing labor laws, combating wage theft, and standing up for workers who deserve fair pay and safe workplaces. This expanded multistate alliance strengthens our ability to hold bad actors accountable, support responsible employers, and protect workers across the region.”
The original reciprocity alliance was formed in 2019 by labor departments in Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, officials said.
“This six-state partnership exemplifies our shared vision for a just and equitable workplace environment,” said Delaware Department of Labor Secretary LaKresha Moultrie. “This interstate agreement ensures more workers in our region receive the protection, dignity, and respect they deserve.”
Officials said the agreement allows the six states to share information and resources to address issues including wage theft, employee misclassification and other labor violations that can undermine economic stability.
“Ensuring workers are protected is a priority for Maryland,” said Maryland Secretary of Labor Portia Wu. “Strengthening ties to our sister states for data sharing, referrals, and joint investigations will help us make sure labor standards are honored across our borders. Maryland is excited to move forward with this expanded collaboration.”
“Safeguarding and empowering our workforce is at the core of our mission at the New York State Department of Labor and we are proud to join this partnership to strengthen coordination with our neighbors,” said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “All workers deserve to be protected, and this alliance will help to ensure safe workplaces across all of our regions. I thank our partners on this fruitful collaboration that continues to break down barriers so we can better serve those who live and work in our states.”
Officials said the expanded agreement highlights the role of regional cooperation in labor regulation and that participating states plan continued dialogue to adapt to changes in the labor market.
