Labor and Public Employees Committee

JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT

SPONSORS OF BILL:

Labor and Public Employees Committee

REASONS FOR BILL:

To require employers to provide copies of personnel files to employees and former employees in a timely manner. The bill requires employers to alert employees of any disciplinary notices going in their files so that the employee may be aware of any disputes.

SUBSTITUTE LANGUAGE

The new language clarifies the timelines provided under the bill for delivery of the personnel files and disciplinary notices.

RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:

None Submitted

NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:

Lisa Levy, Greater Hartford Legal Aid, Staff Attorney:

This bill will workers timely access to their personnel files in order to respond to unwarranted discipline or discharge notices. When an employee is discharged it is necessary that they be able to respond immediately to their files so that they may file any rebuttal statements.

NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:

National Federation of Independent Business:

This legislation is unnecessary and could result in additional litigation and compliance would be burdensome. This bill is another example on labor making issues more complicated.

Kia F. Murrell, CBIA:

This bill is duplicative and unnecessary. There are already statutes on the books that require an employer to provide employees with a copy of their personnel files. Timelines are unreasonable and cumbersome for employers. A better approach would be within a reasonable time but no more that 30 days.