The U.S. Department of Labor is home to several workplace related agencies and is complemented by the Connecticut Department of Labor .  Between the two, issues such as workers' safety, wage and workplace violations, Family Medical Leave Act and workplace injuries are covered.

If you are a federal employee who has been injured at work and are experiencing a problem with the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Workers' Compensation Programs , please provide me with a written, detailed description of the problem.  I will then forward your inquiry to OWCP and will work with them to resolve the problem.  As these are monetary matters, it is imperative that I receive your written permission and supporting documentation to make an inquiry on your behalf .

Injuries sustained at work in the private, state or municipal sector are not covered by OWCP.  Jurisdiction for those matters lies with the Connecticut Workers' Compensation Commission .   Please contact your state elected official (i.e. state senator or state representative ) for assistance with the Connecticut Workers' Compensation Commission.

For general information on Federal Workers' Compensation, such as the overall process or the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program, click here .

Employment issues can be handled in a number of ways.  The State of Connecticut is an At Will state meaning that a private business has the right to hire and fire as they see fit.  If you feel that you have been wrongly terminated and you are part of a labor union you need to work through that union as they have language written into your contract to handle such matters.  If you feel that you lost your job due to discrimination in the workplace you can file a complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.  If you lost your job due to overseas competition you may be eligible for additional benefits through Trade Act Assistance .

If you lost your job through no fault of your own (i.e. you were laid off) and you are able to work you are eligible for unemployment benefits .  Unemployment benefits are administered by the Connecticut Department of Labor and any problems you are having with the administration of such benefits should be directed to your state elected official (i.e. state senator or state representative ).

An extension of unemployment benefits happens by way of an Act of Congress.  To be frank, extensions of unemployment occur only when Members of Congress hear from their constituents so please make your voice be heard by clicking here .

If it is employment that you are seeking I am restricted from getting directly involved due to the Hatch Act.  However, I can check the status of applications to federal agencies on your behalf.  I also urge you to contact my office as I can provide job search and training materials.

My office can also provide assistance with worker safety concerns and Family Medical Leave Act issues.  For more information on worker safety or to file a complaint directly with OSHA you can click here .  For more information on the FMLA click here .

To find general information on labor issues by topic please click here .