The State of Connecticut has released two revised 2026 labor law posters. These resources include a revised 2026 edition of the Minimum Wage notice and an updated Connecticut Paid Sick Leave Law poster. Specifically, the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) revised its Wage & Workplace Administrative Regulations poster to reflect the recent increase from $16.35 per hour to $16.94 per hour. This increase took effect on January 1st, 2026. Additionally, the CTDOL issued a revised Paid Sick Leave notice to reflect changes to the definition of covered employers under the statute.
Why Did the Connecticut Minimum Wage Increase for 2026?
The January 1st, 2026, minimum wage increase was mandated by Public Act 19-4, which was signed into law in 2019. According to Public Act 19-4, annual minimum wage adjustments are tied to the federal employment cost index (ECI). The ECI reflects nationwide changes in employer costs. For the fiscal year ending June 30th, 2025, the ECI rose by 3.6%. This increase raised Connecticut's minimum wage by 59 cents, which took effect on January 1st, 2026.
What Was Updated on the State Paid Sick Leave Law Poster?
As stated earlier, the definition of a “covered employer” changed on the new notice. Specifically, effective January 1st, 2026, Connecticut’s paid sick leave law now applies to employers with 11 or more employees. This update lowers the threshold from 25 employees, instituted in January 2025. Then, starting January 1st, 2027, the law will automatically adjust to cover almost all remaining employers with at least one employee.
Beginning January 1st, 2026, workers at companies with 11 or more employees will accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. This sick leave may be used after the employee has worked for the company for 120 days.
Employer Takeaways
Affected Connecticut employers must immediately post the revised 2026 Wage & Workplace Administrative Regulations notice (showing the state’s updated minimum wage) and the Paid Sick Leave poster so that all workers can easily access and read them. Placing the two new posters in areas such as break rooms, hallways, or near employee exits is recommended. Additionally, companies that previously paid employees below the new minimum wage must adjust compensation to comply.
Labor Law Posters Online's updated 2026 Connecticut State & Federal Labor Law Poster now includes both revised notices. Customers can be assured that our all-on-one compliance solution consists of all recent updates to any required state and federal posters. Labor Law Posters Online customers with an annual subscription plan will receive the revised notices at no additional cost.