Working Together

Connecticut employers faced a year of significant legal and regulatory developments in 2025. Spanning from January through June, Pullman & Comley’s Working Together Webinar Series delivered timely insights into the most pressing workplace issues to keep employers informed and compliant. Each webinar was designed not only to inform but to provide employers with actionable steps and legal clarity to help employers navigate Connecticut’s dynamic employment landscape.

As we prepare to kick off our 2026 Working Together series, here’s a recap of the topics presented by the firm’s Labor, Employment Law, and Employee Benefits attorneys in 2025:

January: Understanding Connecticut’s Expanded Paid Sick Leave 
Attorneys Megan Y. Carannante and Melinda B. Kaufmann unpacked the sweeping changes to Connecticut’s paid sick leave law, which became effective January 1, 2025. They covered how to align PTO policies with the new requirements, avoid legal pitfalls, and implement proactive compliance strategies.

February: Building an Inclusive Workplace with Reasonable Accommodations
Attorneys Joshua A. Hawks-Ladds and Bianca LoGiurato covered best practices on how to support employees with mental health and neurodivergent conditions such as PTSD, ADHD, and ASD. They reviewed practical guidance on ADA obligations, the interactive accommodation process, and fostering inclusive workplace cultures.

March: Wage & Hour Pitfalls: Essential Tips to Stay Compliant
Attorneys Jonathan B. Orleans and Donald J. Anderson addressed common wage and hour compliance issues, including employee classification, overtime rules, and independent contractor distinctions. The session emphasized risk mitigation strategies to help employers avoid costly litigation.

April: Employee Benefits: Latest Trends and Updates You Need to Know
Sharon K. Freilich and George J. Kasper provided a comprehensive update on employee benefits law, including IRS guidance, ACA disclosure rules, and fiduciary responsibilities for health and welfare plans. They provided clarity on how to adapt to regulatory shifts and manage benefit plans effectively.

May: Collective Bargaining Update: Key Changes for Public and Private Sectors
Ryan A. O’Donnell and Zachary D. Schurin explored recent developments in labor law, including NLRB changes, arbitration trends, and insurance cost strategies. This session was particularly valuable for employers engaged in or preparing for collective bargaining negotiations.

June: New Legislation from the Connecticut General Assembly: What Employers Need to Know
Mark J. Sommaruga and Kimberly Catala reviewed key labor and employment legislation passed during the 2025 session. Topics included updates to the Connecticut Retirement Security Program, electronic monitoring laws, and AI use in the workplace—critical knowledge for employers planning ahead.

Looking Ahead
Our new Working Together series begins on January 7, 2026 with Understanding Connecticut’s Paid Sick Leave Law and FMLA. As of January 1, 2026, Connecticut's Paid Sick Leave covers all employers with at least 11 employees. Employers will learn what they need to know to be compliant. Following this webinar, other series topics will include:

• Hot Topics for Employers in 2026: Best Practices and Strategies to Reduce Legal Exposure
• Employer Responsibilities for Supporting Employees with Mental Health Challenges
• Leveraging Agreements to Mitigate Risk and Protect Your Business
• Developments in Labor Law
• Employee Benefits Trends & Updates

Additional details on the 2026 Working Together Webinar Series, including how to register, can be found here. We value your input on what topics spark the most questions for you. If there are emerging issues or areas you’d like us to explore, please share your feedback, suggestions, and questions so we can tailor our upcoming programming.

If you have any questions about any of the topics covered in the Working Together Webinar Series, please contact any of our Labor, Employment Law and Employee Benefits attorneys.