Connecticut Employment Law Blog Insight on Labor & Employment Developments for Connecticut Businesses

Tag Archives: public

Back Again? After Remanding Case Once, Second Circuit This Time Finds for Employer on First Amendment Claims

By Daniel Schwartz on Posted in Litigation

In broad terms, the First Amendment prohibits public employers from retaliating against employees who engage in "protected speech".   (Connecticut has a statute, Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 31-51q that purports to apply the First Amendment to private employers too.)  But proving these cases remains difficult for employees.   And even victories may later end up as defeats… Continue Reading

2d Circuit Rules Employee’s Motive is Not Relevant to Determining Whether Speech is Protected by First Amendment

By Daniel Schwartz on Posted in Litigation

To borrow an oft-quoted phrase, it is commonly understood that public employees do not shed their constitutional rights at the workplace entrance.  Indeed, the U.S. Supreme Court has held that employees have the right to speak out on matters of "public concern" without retribution, based on First Amendment protections. But one question that has arisen… Continue Reading

Hartford-Area Businesses Ban Smoking on Company Premises: The Law on Workplace Smoking

By Daniel Schwartz on Posted in Human Resources (HR) Compliance

This week, word came down that several Hartford-area companies were implementing a ban on smoking anywhere on company premises. This means outside areas on the campuses of these businesses, and the parking lots as well.  Previously, employees could smoke in designated areas outside various buildings.  Yesterday, Bristol started considering implementing a ban on smoking on… Continue Reading