This year, big retailers are opening their doors earlier than ever, and it’s not sitting well with Connecticut lawmakers who call the move “disgraceful.”
Several legislators gathered to speak out against the Thanksgiving openings.
State Rep. Matthew Lesser said he will re-introduce legislation this upcoming session that would require employers pay their employees double time and a half if they work on Thanksgiving.
“Just last week, it was revealed the Kmart Corporation is requiring its staff to come in at 6 a.m., on Thanksgiving Day, and many of those workings are not going to be receiving overtime,” said Lesser. “If they don’t show up at 6 a.m., those workers will lose their jobs. That is unacceptable.”
Similar legislation was introduced this past year, but it did not make it out of the Labor Committee.
Many retailers say they’re opening to stay competitive, offering earlier-than-ever access to Black Friday deals. But critics say it takes employees away from their families on this American holiday, forcing them to work.
Stores opening on the holiday this year with select hours include Target, Sears, Toys”R”Us, Macy’s, Kmart, JCPenny, Walmart and Best Buy. Several stores have pledged to remain closed on Thanksgiving, including Nordstrom, Costco, and Dillard’s.
Massachusetts, Maine and Rhode Island have laws banning retailers from opening on Thanksgiving.
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